Top Paying Jobs in Iowa
Iowa has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 134,620 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Emergency Medicine Physicians ($429,050), Dermatologists ($424,970), Radiologists ($405,220). The cost of living index is 88.86 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,064/month.
ⓘ
State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.
$144K
Avg. median salary
88.86
Cost of living index
$1,064
Median 2BR rent
3,207,003
Population
Highest paying careers in Iowa
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emergency Medicine Physicians | Healthcare | $429K | $206.27/hr |
| 2 | Dermatologists | Healthcare | $425K | $204.31/hr |
| 3 | Radiologists | Healthcare | $405K | $194.82/hr |
| 4 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | Healthcare | $395K | $189.86/hr |
| 5 | Surgeons, All Other | Healthcare | $370K | $178.07/hr |
| 6 | Obstetricians and Gynecologists | Healthcare | $356K | $171.16/hr |
| 7 | Physicians, Pathologists | Healthcare | $323K | $155.51/hr |
| 8 | Psychiatrists | Healthcare | $295K | $141.96/hr |
| 9 | Physicians, All Other | Healthcare | $295K | $141.92/hr |
| 10 | Cardiologists | Healthcare | $283K | $136.09/hr |
Affordability snapshot: Iowa
These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.
Cost of living vs. national average-11.1% less expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,064/mo
Planning a move? Compare costs with other locations:
Metro areas in Iowa
Click a metro for detailed salary, rent, and cost-of-living data specific to that area.
Compare Iowa to other cities
Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
Remote work salary calculator
See what your salary is worth in Iowa
Calculate take-home pay in Iowa
After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in Iowa?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Iowa?
Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data