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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | Management | $104K | N/A |
| 62 | Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products | Sales | $103K | $49.7/hr |
| 63 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $103K | N/A |
| 64 | Engineers, All Other | Engineering | $103K | $49.56/hr |
| 65 | Computer Network Architects | Technology | $103K | $49.54/hr |
| 66 | Power Distributors and Dispatchers | Production & Manufacturing | $103K | $49.51/hr |
| 67 | Medical and Health Services Managers | Management | $102K | $49.01/hr |
| 68 | Commercial Pilots | Transportation | $102K | N/A |
| 69 | Database Administrators | Technology | $101K | $48.66/hr |
| 70 | Biochemists and Biophysicists | Science | $101K | $48.6/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