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.
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 | Agricultural Engineers | Engineering | $96K | $46.29/hr |
| 92 | Computer Systems Analysts | Technology | $96K | $46.11/hr |
| 93 | Data Scientists | Technology | $96K | $46.07/hr |
| 94 | Environmental Engineers | Engineering | $95K | $45.59/hr |
| 95 | Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | Arts & Media | $94K | $45.1/hr |
| 96 | Postmasters and Mail Superintendents | Management | $93K | $44.79/hr |
| 97 | Education Administrators, All Other | Management | $93K | $44.7/hr |
| 98 | Gas Plant Operators | Production & Manufacturing | $93K | $44.7/hr |
| 99 | Nuclear Medicine Technologists | Healthcare | $93K | $44.66/hr |
| 100 | Financial and Investment Analysts | Business & Finance | $92K | $44.41/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
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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
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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