Overview Salaries

Salaries in Iowa City, IA

Updated on Jun 10, 2026
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What is the average salary in Iowa City, IA?

The average salary in Iowa City, IA is $57,587 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Iowa City, IA, showing an average salary of $57,587 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Iowa City, IA, showing an average salary of $4,799 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Iowa City, IA, showing an average salary of $1,107 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Iowa City, IA, showing an average salary of $28 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Job seekers in Iowa City, IA, can expect competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary is around $57,587, offering a stable financial foundation. Many jobs fall into key sectors, each with its own salary range, providing a diverse array of opportunities.


Here are some specific salary ranges for common occupations:

  • Office clerks earn about $26,000 annually.
  • Retail sales workers make roughly $38,291 each year.
  • Registered nurses earn between $50,581 and $62,872.
  • Teachers typically earn between $62,872 and $75,163.
  • IT specialists make around $87,453 per year.
  • Accountants can earn between $99,744 and $112,035.
  • Engineers often earn more than $112,035 annually.
  • Executives earn above $124,325.

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What are the best paying jobs in Iowa City, IA?

Iowa City, IA, offers several top-paying jobs in various fields. Physicians lead the pack with a high salary, reflecting the critical nature of their work. Traveling nurses and registered nurses also secure solid incomes, highlighting the strong demand for healthcare professionals in the area. Roles such as physician assistants, radiologic technologists, and nurse practitioners continue to provide competitive compensation. Outside sales representatives, technical project leads, occupational therapists, and clinical supervisors also enjoy attractive pay packages. These jobs offer good earning potential, making Iowa City an attractive place for career growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Iowa City, IA, highlighting Physician with the highest at $252,595 and Clinical Supervisor with the lowest at $83,173.

  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $252,595
    Care for patients and manage their health. Work in local hospitals and clinics. Opportunities with University of Iowa Health Care and Mercy Iowa City.
    Find Physician jobs in Iowa City, IA


  2. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $122,007
    Provide care in different locations. Travel to various facilities. Work with companies like OneStaff Medical and Aya Healthcare.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Iowa City, IA


  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $114,347
    Deliver direct patient care. Work in hospitals and clinics. Join employers such as UnityPoint Health and the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Iowa City, IA


  4. Physician Assistant
    Average Salary: $110,499
    Assist doctors with patient care. Work in a variety of medical settings. Opportunities with local private practices and clinics.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in Iowa City, IA


  5. Radiologic Technologist
    Average Salary: $106,760
    Perform imaging tests. Work with patients to ensure accurate results. Opportunities in major hospitals and imaging centers.
    Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in Iowa City, IA


  6. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $106,601
    Provide primary and specialty care. Work in various healthcare settings. Join local practices and hospital systems.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Iowa City, IA


  7. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $100,192
    Sell products to businesses. Travel to meet clients. Work with companies in the tech and pharmaceutical sectors.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Iowa City, IA


  8. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $92,934
    Manage tech projects. Work with teams to meet deadlines. Opportunities in software and tech companies.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Iowa City, IA


  9. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $85,934
    Help patients recover from injuries. Work in rehab centers. Join local healthcare facilities and private practices.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Iowa City, IA


  10. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $83,173
    Oversee clinical staff. Ensure high-quality patient care. Work in hospitals and outpatient clinics.
    Find Clinical Supervisor jobs in Iowa City, IA

What are the best paying jobs in Iowa City, IA without a degree?

Job seekers in Iowa City, IA, can find lucrative opportunities without needing a degree. High-paying positions include roles such as Service Team Member, earning an average of $59,344 per year, and Housekeeping, which averages around $39,345 annually. These jobs offer good compensation and can provide a stable career path in the community. Groundskeeper and Food Service Aide positions also stand out for their earnings. A Groundskeeper can make about $37,544, while a Food Service Aide earns around $33,873 each year. These roles, among others listed, provide excellent prospects for those seeking well-paid work without a formal degree. They offer the chance to build a career and gain valuable experience in a variety of fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Iowa City, IA without a degree, highlighting Service Team Member with the highest at $59,344 and Barista with the lowest at $27,911.

  1. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $59,344
    Service team members take care of customers in a positive manner. They work in places like restaurants or retail shops. They ensure customers have what they need. Companies look for friendly and reliable individuals.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Iowa City, IA


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $39,345
    Housekeeping staff clean and maintain areas such as hotels or offices. They make sure spaces are neat and welcoming for everyone. Their work helps create a pleasant environment.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Iowa City, IA


  3. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $37,544
    Groundskeepers care for outdoor areas around buildings. They mow lawns, trim trees, and maintain flower beds. Their work helps keep outdoor spaces looking nice.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Iowa City, IA


  4. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $33,873
    Food service aides help prepare meals and clean up in dining areas. They work in places like cafeterias or food courts. Their job is to ensure food areas stay clean and orderly.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Iowa City, IA


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $33,124
    Line cooks prepare food quickly in busy kitchens. They follow recipes and work under pressure. Their skills help kitchens run smoothly.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Iowa City, IA


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $31,723
    Servers take orders and deliver food to customers in restaurants. They need good communication skills. Their work helps customers enjoy their meals.
    Find Server jobs in Iowa City, IA


  7. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $30,561
    Dishwashers clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. They work in kitchens and cafeterias. Their job ensures cleanliness and hygiene.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Iowa City, IA


  8. Barista
    Average Salary: $27,911
    Baristas make coffee and other drinks in coffee shops. They need to be quick and friendly. Their job is to serve delicious beverages to customers.
    Find Barista jobs in Iowa City, IA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Iowa City, IA?

In Iowa City, some of the top employers offer competitive salaries. Health Carousel stands out as the highest-paying company, with an average salary of about $143,499. This is followed by Supplemental Health Care and Medical Solutions, which also offer salaries above average, making them attractive options for job seekers. Other notable employers include Engie and Johnson County Iowa, which provide salaries in the mid-to-upper range. These companies, along with several educational and local government entities, represent solid choices for those looking to advance their careers in Iowa City.
Graph displaying company salaries in Iowa City, IA, highlighting Health Carousel with the highest at $143,499 and Iowa City Community School District with the lowest at $42,271.

  1. Health Carousel
    Average Salary: $143,499
    Health Carousel specializes in healthcare staffing. They connect top talent with hospitals and clinics. They are known for offering competitive salaries and benefits.


  2. Supplemental Health Care
    Average Salary: $112,428
    Supplemental Health Care focuses on placing healthcare professionals in temporary positions. They prioritize quality care and offer good pay packages.


  3. Medical Solutions
    Average Salary: $94,401
    Medical Solutions provides staffing for healthcare facilities. They offer temporary and permanent positions. They are recognized for their high salaries and benefits.


  4. Engie
    Average Salary: $77,232
    Engie focuses on energy solutions. They offer jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy. They provide a stable environment with good compensation.


  5. Johnson County Iowa
    Average Salary: $62,967
    Johnson County Iowa offers government positions. They focus on public services and community support. They provide decent salaries for stable employment.


  6. Brandt Heating and Air Conditioning
    Average Salary: $55,817
    Brandt Heating and Air Conditioning provides HVAC services. They offer jobs for technicians and service professionals. They provide competitive pay for skilled workers.


  7. The University of Iowa
    Average Salary: $51,902
    The University of Iowa is a leading academic institution. They offer jobs in education, research, and administration. They provide good salaries and benefits for faculty and staff.


  8. Billion Automotive
    Average Salary: $49,733
    Billion Automotive focuses on automotive sales and services. They offer jobs for sales staff and mechanics. They provide competitive pay for automotive professionals.


  9. ChildServe
    Average Salary: $44,423
    ChildServe supports children with special needs. They offer jobs in healthcare, education, and support services. They provide good salaries for those committed to child welfare.


  10. Iowa City Community School District
    Average Salary: $42,271
    The Iowa City Community School District offers educational services. They employ teachers and support staff. They provide decent salaries for those dedicated to education.

How does the cost of living in Iowa City, IA compare to the national average?

Iowa City, IA, boasts a cost of living index of 92, which is 2% below the nationwide average of 100. This slight decrease makes it more affordable for residents and job seekers in areas such as groceries, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses. Notably, while housing, transportation, and healthcare costs also fall under the national average, they remain relatively close, ensuring overall affordability.
Cost of living comparison graph for Iowa City, IA vs. Nationwide: housing 12% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 10% lower, miscellaneous 8% lower.

Iowa City, IA, presents an attractive cost of living when compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in Iowa City stands at 88, which is slightly below the national average of 100. This suggests that residents can expect to pay around 12% less on housing costs than the typical American. This cost efficiency makes Iowa City an attractive option for those looking to save on living expenses without compromising on quality of life.


In addition to housing, other key areas reflect Iowa City's favorable cost of living. Groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also show a slight decrease relative to the national average. For instance, groceries in Iowa City are priced at 95, indicating a 5% savings. Utilities and transportation each sit at 95, meaning they cost about 5% less than the average. Healthcare, often a significant expense, stands at 90, reflecting a 10% saving. Miscellaneous costs are also slightly lower at 92, which is an 8% decrease. Overall, these figures present Iowa City as a cost-effective place to live.

There are 1,090 job openings in Iowa City, IA, today!

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Iowa City, IA
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