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Office & Admin · Iowa

How to Become a Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Iowa

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives in Iowa earn a median salary of $44,000/year, which is 5% below the national average. Iowa has a state income tax of ~4.7%. After taxes and rent, a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive takes home approximately $1,530/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$44K
Median salary in Iowa
-5%
vs. national average
4.7%
State income tax
12,320
Employed in Iowa

What a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive can afford in Iowa

Gross annual salary$44,000
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.7% state tax)$2,942/mo
Median 2BR rent (Iowa)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home48% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$44,000/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,530/mo

Becoming a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive in Iowa

1

Meet education requirements

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive 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 secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive 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 secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives. 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 12,320 secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives. The highest concentrations are in Iowa City and Ames.

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary by metro area in Iowa

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Iowa City$48K$22.91/hr650
Ames$47K$22.83/hr630
Des Moines-West Des Moines$46K$22.33/hr2,800
Cedar Rapids$46K$22.21/hr1,330
Waterloo-Cedar Falls$45K$21.49/hr710
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island$43K$20.86/hr1,840
Sioux City$43K$20.45/hr670
Dubuque$42K$20.28/hr390

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive salary range in Iowa

10th percentile (entry)
$31K
25th percentile
$37K
Median (50th)
$44K
75th percentile
$50K
90th percentile (senior)
$60K
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Full secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive salary breakdown in Iowa
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Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive make in Iowa?

The median secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive salary in Iowa is $44,000 per year ($21.16/hr). This is 5% below the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $30,900 to $59,640.

What are the requirements to become a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive in Iowa?

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive 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 secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive afford to live in Iowa?

At the median salary of $44,000, a secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive in Iowa would take home approximately $2,942/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 48% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives in Iowa?

The highest paying metro areas for secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives in Iowa are Iowa City ($47,640), Ames ($47,480), Des Moines-West Des Moines ($46,440). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Iowa have state income tax for secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executives?

Yes, Iowa has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.7%. On a $44,000 salary, this means roughly $2,083/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.