Average Salary in Iowa in 2025: Top Cities, Jobs & Industries

Iowa continues to offer a stable and growing job market in 2025, with competitive wages in healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and a rising tech sector.

Whether you’re considering a move, a career shift, or just want to compare wages, this guide provides insights into Iowa’s average salaries, top-paying cities, high-demand jobs, and leading industries.

Statewide Average Salary

• The average hourly wage in Iowa in 2025 is approximately $24.02, which translates to about $49,972 annually.
• For high-tier roles, the average hourly wage climbs to $41.29, or nearly $85,891 per year.
• Most earners fall between $37,669 (25th percentile) and $62,274 (75th percentile) annually.

Best-Paying Cities in Iowa

Several cities in Iowa stand out for offering salaries well above the state average. Among the top-paying cities in 2025:

• Delaware – Around $70,000 per year
• Des Moines – Approximately $68,200 annually
• Russell – Close to $66,700 per year
• Promise City and Oto – Both nearing $66,000 annually
• Primghar, West Burlington, Mystic, Titonka, and Clio also show average incomes between $60,000 and $63,000 annually

These figures can be influenced by the local cost of living, industry presence, and demand for skilled labor.

High-Paying Professions in Iowa

Medical & Healthcare

Healthcare professionals dominate the high-earning categories in Iowa:

• Neurosurgeons, transplant surgeons, and anesthesiologists earn upwards of $300,000–$375,000 per year.
• Nurse practitioners and telemedicine nurses average between $100,000 and $140,000 annually.

🏗️ Engineering & Technical Roles

• Engineers in mechanical, chemical, civil, and electrical fields typically earn between $109,000 and $162,000 annually.
• Power linemen, maintenance technicians, and other specialized trade roles are also among the highest-paid.

Transportation & Logistics

• Pickup truck owner-operators and contract drivers report incomes between $117,000 and $319,000, depending on workload and routes.

Leading Industries in Iowa

Manufacturing

Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of Iowa’s economy, particularly in cities like Cedar Rapids and Waterloo. Roles in food production, machinery, and packaging contribute significantly to local economies.

Technology

Des Moines has seen growth in the tech sector, with rising demand for professionals in software development, cybersecurity, AI, and cloud computing. Some of the highest-paying tech roles exceed $150,000 annually.

Healthcare

Medical facilities across the state are expanding, creating high demand for registered nurses, physical therapists, and specialized doctors. Rural health services are especially in need of traveling or telemedicine-based providers.

Final Thoughts

Iowa’s average salary in 2025 reflects a growing economy with opportunities across healthcare, tech, trades, and logistics.

Professionals looking to maximize their earnings should consider industries with rising demand and cities where salaries exceed the state average.

Whether you’re entering the workforce or making a career move, Iowa offers a solid foundation for long-term growth.

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