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Personal Care · Iowa

How to Become a Residential Advisors in Iowa

Residential Advisors in Iowa earn a median salary of $37,260/year, which is 5% below the national average. Iowa has a state income tax of ~4.6%. After taxes and rent, a residential advisors takes home approximately $1,111/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$37K
Median salary in Iowa
-5%
vs. national average
4.6%
State income tax
490
Employed in Iowa

What a residential advisors can afford in Iowa

Gross annual salary$37,260
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.6% state tax)$2,523/mo
Median 2BR rent (Iowa)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home56% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$37,260/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,111/mo

Becoming a residential advisors in Iowa

1

Meet education requirements

Residential Advisors positions in Iowa typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Iowa. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many residential advisors positions in Iowa require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Iowa licensure or certification

Iowa may require specific licensing or professional certification for residential advisorss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Iowa Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Iowa

Iowa employs 490 residential advisors. The highest concentrations are in Ames and Iowa City.

Residential Advisors salary by metro area in Iowa

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Ames$45K$21.47/hr60
Iowa City$38K$18.11/hr50
Des Moines-West Des Moines$37K$18/hr90
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island$36K$17.31/hr60
Dubuque$34K$16.21/hr60

Residential Advisors salary range in Iowa

10th percentile (entry)
$28K
25th percentile
$34K
Median (50th)
$37K
75th percentile
$46K
90th percentile (senior)
$49K
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Full residential advisors salary breakdown in Iowa
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a residential advisors make in Iowa?

The median residential advisors salary in Iowa is $37,260 per year ($17.92/hr). This is 5% below the national median of $39,180. Salaries range from $28,170 to $49,360.

What are the requirements to become a residential advisors in Iowa?

Residential Advisors positions in Iowa typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Iowa may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Iowa licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a residential advisors afford to live in Iowa?

At the median salary of $37,260, a residential advisors in Iowa would take home approximately $2,523/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 56% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for residential advisors in Iowa?

The highest paying metro areas for residential advisors in Iowa are Ames ($44,660), Iowa City ($37,680), Des Moines-West Des Moines ($37,440). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Iowa have state income tax for residential advisors?

Yes, Iowa has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.6%. On a $37,260 salary, this means roughly $1,699/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.