Currency
United States Dollar (USD, $)
Capital
Washington, D.C.
Official language
English
Salary Cycle
Monthly
Our Guide in United States
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Salary Insights for Iowa, USA: Key Roles and Compensation Trends
The state of Iowa offers a diverse employment landscape with competitive wages across various industries. The average annual salary in Iowa stands at $69,200, reflecting a balanced job market that supports both skilled professionals and entry-level workers. Meanwhile, the minimum annual wage is approximately $15,050, aligning with federal guidelines where no state-specific minimum supersedes it.
Top-Paying Jobs in Iowa
Certain professions command significantly higher salaries due to specialized skills, leadership responsibilities, or technical expertise. Below is an overview of high-demand roles and their average yearly earnings in Iowa:
| Job Title | Position (English) | Average Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Director / Country Manager | Sales Director | $113,562 |
| Sales Manager / Key Account Sales | Sales Manager | $105,790 |
| Software Development Engineer | Software Development Engineer | $109,346 |
| Logistics Manager | Logistics Manager | $94,452 |
| Production Manager / Plant Supervisor | Production Manager | $88,990 |
| Quality Manager | Quality Manager | $87,425 |
| Operations Engineer | Operations Engineer | $86,110 |
| Pre-sales Engineer | Pre-sales Engineer | $90,325 |
| Operations Director / Operations Manager | Operations Director | $69,703 |
| Customer Service / E-commerce Support | Customer Service | $31,252 |
Industry Trends and Employment Outlook
Iowa’s economy is anchored in advanced manufacturing, agriculture technology, financial services, and healthcare. In recent years, tech-driven roles such as software development and pre-sales engineering have seen rising demand, particularly in growing hubs like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City.
For multinational companies expanding into the Midwest, understanding local compensation benchmarks is crucial. Competitive pay packages not only attract top talent but also ensure compliance with labor standards. For instance, while Iowa does not mandate a state-level minimum wage above the federal rate, employers often offer higher wages to remain attractive in tight labor markets.
At SailGlobal, we support global workforce planning with up-to-date salary intelligence and localization strategies, helping businesses maintain equity and transparency across borders.
Comparative Perspective
When compared to national averages, Iowa’s salaries are slightly below the U.S. median, but so are living costs—particularly housing, transportation, and utilities. This makes the state an appealing location for cost-effective operations without sacrificing access to skilled labor.
Professionals in sales leadership and software development earn among the highest incomes, while customer service roles remain on the lower end of the spectrum—a trend consistent with broader national patterns.
Disclaimer
The information and opinions provided are for reference only and do not constitute legal, tax, or other professional advice. Sailglobal strives to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content; however, due to potential changes in industry standards and legal regulations, Sailglobal cannot guarantee that the information is always fully up-to-date or accurate. Please carefully evaluate before making any decisions. Sailglobal shall not be held liable for any direct or indirect losses arising from the use of this content.Hire easily in United States
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