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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | Software Developers | Technology | $115K | $55.24/hr |
| 52 | Natural Sciences Managers | Management | $110K | $52.77/hr |
| 53 | Advertising and Promotions Managers | Management | $109K | $52.35/hr |
| 54 | Training and Development Managers | Management | $108K | $52.08/hr |
| 55 | Computer Occupations, All Other | Technology | $107K | $51.61/hr |
| 56 | Industrial Production Managers | Management | $107K | $51.21/hr |
| 57 | Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors | Engineering | $106K | $51.13/hr |
| 58 | Electrical Engineers | Engineering | $106K | $50.87/hr |
| 59 | Financial Risk Specialists | Business & Finance | $106K | $50.81/hr |
| 60 | Physics Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $104K | N/A |
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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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