Top Paying Jobs in Iowa City, IA (2026)
Iowa City, IA has 160 jobs across diverse industries. The highest-paying occupations include Chief Executives ($176,850), Dentists, General ($172,590), Architectural and Engineering Managers ($139,830). The cost of living index is 91.51 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $962/month.
$123K
Avg. median salary
91.51
Cost of living index
$962
Median 2BR rent
N/A
Population
Highest paying careers in Iowa City
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Executives | Management | $177K | $85.03/hr |
| 2 | Dentists, General | Healthcare | $173K | $82.98/hr |
| 3 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | Management | $140K | $67.23/hr |
| 4 | Physician Assistants | Healthcare | $138K | $66.52/hr |
| 5 | Pharmacists | Healthcare | $138K | $66.12/hr |
| 6 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Management | $136K | $65.18/hr |
| 7 | Nurse Practitioners | Healthcare | $130K | $62.57/hr |
| 8 | Education Administrators, All Other | Management | $130K | $62.29/hr |
| 9 | Financial Managers | Management | $129K | $61.87/hr |
| 10 | Sales Managers | Management | $125K | $60.13/hr |
| 11 | Marketing Managers | Management | $123K | $59.36/hr |
| 12 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | Technology | $120K | $57.54/hr |
| 13 | Computer Network Architects | Technology | $115K | $55.44/hr |
| 14 | Public Relations Managers | Management | $114K | $54.77/hr |
| 15 | Veterinarians | Healthcare | $113K | $54.17/hr |
| 16 | Information Security Analysts | Technology | $111K | $53.44/hr |
| 17 | Human Resources Managers | Management | $111K | $53.4/hr |
| 18 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | Public Safety | $110K | $52.89/hr |
| 19 | Education Administrators, Postsecondary | Management | $110K | $52.87/hr |
| 20 | Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | Management | $108K | $/hr |
| 21 | Lawyers | Legal | $106K | $50.81/hr |
| 22 | Software Developers | Technology | $105K | $50.46/hr |
| 23 | Electrical Engineers | Engineering | $104K | $50/hr |
| 24 | Fundraising Managers | Management | $104K | $49.81/hr |
| 25 | Medical and Health Services Managers | Management | $104K | $49.77/hr |
Affordability snapshot: Iowa City
Cost of living vs. national average-8.5% less expensive
Studio apartment (FMR)$/mo
1-bedroom apartment (FMR)$/mo
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$962/mo
3-bedroom apartment (FMR)$/mo
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After federal and state taxes