Skip to content
AffordMap
Production & Manufacturing · Iowa

How to Become a Sewing Machine Operators in Iowa

Sewing Machine Operators in Iowa earn a median salary of $36,790/year, which is 2% above the national average. Iowa has a state income tax of ~4.5%. After taxes and rent, a sewing machine operators takes home approximately $1,082/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$37K
Median salary in Iowa
+2%
vs. national average
4.5%
State income tax
790
Employed in Iowa

What a sewing machine operators can afford in Iowa

Gross annual salary$36,790
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.5% state tax)$2,494/mo
Median 2BR rent (Iowa)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home56.6% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$36,790/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,082/mo

Becoming a sewing machine operators in Iowa

1

Meet education requirements

Sewing Machine Operators 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 sewing machine operators 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 sewing machine operatorss. 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 790 sewing machine operators. The highest concentrations are in Iowa City and Dubuque.

Sewing Machine Operators salary by metro area in Iowa

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Iowa City$45K$21.83/hr40
Dubuque$39K$18.67/hr50
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island$38K$18.33/hr70
Des Moines-West Des Moines$38K$18.32/hr110
Sioux City$37K$17.63/hr40
Cedar Rapids$37K$17.59/hr50

Sewing Machine Operators salary range in Iowa

10th percentile (entry)
$28K
25th percentile
$31K
Median (50th)
$37K
75th percentile
$43K
90th percentile (senior)
$51K
View jobs for Sewing Machine Operators
Currently hiring in Iowa
View →
More openings for Sewing Machine Operators
Currently hiring in Iowa
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full sewing machine operators salary breakdown in Iowa
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Iowa
After federal + 4.5% state tax
Calculate →
Compare Iowa cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Sewing Machine Operators careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a sewing machine operators make in Iowa?

The median sewing machine operators salary in Iowa is $36,790 per year ($17.69/hr). This is 2% above the national median of $36,000. Salaries range from $28,110 to $50,940.

What are the requirements to become a sewing machine operators in Iowa?

Sewing Machine Operators 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 sewing machine operators afford to live in Iowa?

At the median salary of $36,790, a sewing machine operators in Iowa would take home approximately $2,494/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 56.6% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for sewing machine operators in Iowa?

The highest paying metro areas for sewing machine operators in Iowa are Iowa City ($45,410), Dubuque ($38,820), Davenport-Moline-Rock Island ($38,130). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Iowa have state income tax for sewing machine operators?

Yes, Iowa has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.5%. On a $36,790 salary, this means roughly $1,672/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.