What is the average salary in Iowa City, IA?
Job seekers in Iowa City, IA, have a variety of opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is $59,441. This reflects the range of jobs available, from entry-level positions to specialized roles. Understanding the salary distribution helps job seekers set realistic expectations and find roles that match their experience.
Salaries in Iowa City vary based on the industry and position. Some of the higher-paying industries include healthcare and education. Healthcare professionals, for example, can earn between $64,911 and $129,761 per year. Those in education can see salaries from $51,940 to $142,732 annually. Other notable sectors include business and finance, technology, and public administration, all offering a range of earnings. This diversity in salary levels makes Iowa City an attractive place for job seekers looking to advance their careers.
What are the best paying jobs in Iowa City, IA?

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Physician
Average Salary: $249,169
Medical doctors in this area serve various needs. They diagnose and treat illnesses. Common employers include University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.
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Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $122,105
These professionals travel to provide care. They work in different settings, ensuring quality patient care. Agencies like Aya Healthcare often hire them.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $114,313
RNs provide essential patient care. They work in hospitals and clinics, ensuring safety and comfort. Employers include University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.
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Physician Assistant
Average Salary: $110,533
PAs support doctors in patient care. They diagnose and treat conditions. Common employers are healthcare facilities like local clinics and hospitals.
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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $104,591
NPs provide primary and specialty care. They often work in clinics or hospitals. Employers include local health systems and private practices.
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Radiologic Technologist
Average Salary: $99,293
These professionals operate imaging equipment. They produce diagnostic images for doctors. Common employers include radiology departments in local hospitals.
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Outside Sales Representative
Average Salary: $95,757
They sell products to businesses. They develop relationships and meet sales goals. Common employers include tech companies and sales firms.
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Technical Project Lead
Average Salary: $93,058
They manage technical projects. They oversee teams and ensure project success. Employers include tech firms and local universities.
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Clinical Supervisor
Average Salary: $87,134
They oversee clinical staff. They ensure quality care and compliance. Common employers include hospitals and healthcare clinics.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $83,536
They help patients improve daily living skills. They work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Employers include local health systems and private practices.
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What are the best paying jobs in Iowa City, IA without a degree?

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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $59,539
Deliver great customer service at local eateries and cafes. Gain skills in fast-paced environments. Work at places like Panera Bread and local restaurants.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $38,749
Keep rooms clean and tidy in hotels and resorts. Follow detailed cleaning protocols. Work in places like the Hilton and local bed-and-breakfasts.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $37,788
Maintain the outdoor areas of properties. Use tools to cut grass and trim shrubs. Work for local parks and large estates.
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Food Service Aide
Average Salary: $33,713
Assist in food preparation and serving at local diners and cafes. Learn basic cooking skills. Work at spots like family-owned diners and cafes.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $33,134
Prepare ingredients and cook meals in a fast-paced kitchen. Work under pressure to meet orders. Cook at restaurants like local pizzerias and cafes.
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Server
Average Salary: $31,536
Take orders and serve food and drinks in restaurants. Develop strong customer service skills. Work at places like local diners and coffee shops.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $30,484
Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Work in a busy kitchen environment. Find jobs at places like cafes and family restaurants.
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Barista
Average Salary: $27,742
Prepare coffee drinks for customers. Gain skills in coffee brewing. Work at local coffee shops.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Iowa City, IA?

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Health Carousel
Average Salary: $143,182
Health Carousel offers a range of health care staffing solutions, including travel nursing, therapy, and locum tenens. They provide flexible job opportunities in various health care settings.
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Supplemental Health Care
Average Salary: $114,160
Supplemental Health Care places professionals in medical and health care jobs, providing them with a variety of opportunities in a supportive environment.
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Medical Solutions
Average Salary: $95,429
Medical Solutions connects health care professionals with short-term and long-term assignments across the country, offering competitive salaries and benefits.
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Johnson County Iowa
Average Salary: $62,702
Johnson County offers a variety of public service jobs, including roles in law enforcement, public health, and administrative positions, all aimed at serving the community.
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Brandt Heating and Air Conditioning
Average Salary: $53,453
Brandt Heating and Air Conditioning provides HVAC services and solutions for residential and commercial clients, offering well-paying jobs in the skilled trades.
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The University of Iowa
Average Salary: $51,684
The University of Iowa is a major employer in the region, offering a wide array of academic, administrative, and support roles that contribute to the educational landscape.
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UNFI
Average Salary: $51,261
UNFI supplies food and food-related products to retailers across the U.S., providing employment in logistics, sales, and warehouse operations.
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Billion Automotive
Average Salary: $50,179
Billion Automotive focuses on the design and manufacture of automotive components, providing skilled jobs in engineering, production, and assembly.
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UnityPoint Health
Average Salary: $46,439
UnityPoint Health operates a network of hospitals and clinics, offering a range of health care roles, including nursing, therapy, and administrative positions.
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ChildServe
Average Salary: $44,315
ChildServe provides specialized services to children and families with disabilities, offering fulfilling roles in education, therapy, and support services.
How does the cost of living in Iowa City, IA compare to the national average?

Iowa City, IA, offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the nationwide average. The housing index in Iowa City stands at 85, which means it costs 15% less than the national average. This affordability can make it easier for individuals to find reasonably priced housing options. Similarly, the transportation index is 95, showing that residents spend 5% less on transportation compared to the average American.
Other areas of the cost of living in Iowa City also compare favorably. Groceries cost 95, which is 5% less than the national average. Utilities, at an index of 90, are 10% less expensive than the nationwide norm. Healthcare costs remain the same as the national average, with an index of 100. Miscellaneous expenses stand at 88, meaning residents spend 12% less on other items. Overall, Iowa City provides a cost of living that is more affordable in several key areas.



