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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81 | Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | Transportation | $98K | $46.97/hr |
| 82 | Industrial Engineers | Engineering | $98K | $46.96/hr |
| 83 | Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $98K | N/A |
| 84 | Physical Therapists | Healthcare | $98K | $46.9/hr |
| 85 | Audiologists | Healthcare | $97K | $46.72/hr |
| 86 | Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | Engineering | $97K | $46.54/hr |
| 87 | Project Management Specialists | Business & Finance | $97K | $46.41/hr |
| 88 | Civil Engineers | Engineering | $96K | $46.36/hr |
| 89 | Economists | Science | $96K | $46.3/hr |
| 90 | Soil and Plant Scientists | Science | $96K | $46.3/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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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