Cost of living

Cost of living in Iowa: what jobs pay vs rent

Typical rent in Iowa is about $932/mo (population-weighted Census gross rent, utilities included). Here's how 300 common jobs' estimated take-home pay compares.

JobEst. take-homeRent share
Family Physician$15,548/mo6%
Nurse Anesthetist$14,342/mo6%
Dentist$10,558/mo9%
Architectural and Engineering Manager$9,046/mo10%
Chief Executive$8,882/mo10%
IT Manager$8,726/mo11%
Marketing Manager$8,637/mo11%
Pharmacist$8,508/mo11%
Sales Manager$8,390/mo11%
Physician Assistant$8,382/mo11%
Nurse Practitioner$8,230/mo11%
Financial Manager$8,205/mo11%
Network Architect$7,951/mo12%
Optometrist$7,951/mo12%
Actuary$7,786/mo12%
Human Resources Manager$7,646/mo12%
Information Security Analyst$7,639/mo12%
Purchasing Manager$7,432/mo13%
Public Relations Manager$7,149/mo13%
Lawyer$7,019/mo13%
Electrical Engineer$6,940/mo13%
Administrative Services Manager$6,926/mo13%
Software Developer$6,885/mo14%
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Product$6,794/mo14%
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$6,759/mo14%
Industrial Production Manager$6,697/mo14%
Natural Sciences Manager$6,543/mo14%
Computer Hardware Engineer$6,499/mo14%
Veterinarian$6,451/mo14%
Healthcare Manager$6,358/mo15%
Industrial Engineer$6,324/mo15%
Mechanical Engineer$6,313/mo15%
Data Scientist$6,304/mo15%
Construction Manager$6,169/mo15%
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairer$6,106/mo15%
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager$6,104/mo15%
Police and Detective$6,080/mo15%
Civil Engineer$6,014/mo15%
Physical Therapist$5,993/mo16%
Systems Analyst$5,918/mo16%
Database Administrator$5,856/mo16%
Facilities Manager$5,773/mo16%
Psychologist$5,610/mo17%
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Tester$5,597/mo17%
Financial Analyst$5,567/mo17%
Network Administrator$5,550/mo17%
Architect$5,483/mo17%
Credit Analyst$5,473/mo17%
Management Consultant$5,427/mo17%
Occupational Therapist$5,412/mo17%
Financial Advisor$5,400/mo17%
Non-Retail Sales Worker$5,390/mo17%
Medical Scientist$5,364/mo17%
Project Management Specialist$5,353/mo17%
Computer Programmer$5,349/mo17%
Operations Research Analyst$5,331/mo17%
Dental Hygienist$5,269/mo18%
Logistician$5,268/mo18%
Sonographer$5,249/mo18%
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist$5,194/mo18%
Financial Examiner$5,189/mo18%
Operations Manager$5,110/mo18%
Speech Pathologist$5,100/mo18%
Instructional Coordinator$5,065/mo18%
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialist$4,996/mo19%
Detectives and Criminal Investigator$4,939/mo19%
Loan Officer$4,936/mo19%
Construction Supervisor$4,934/mo19%
Labor Relations Specialist$4,921/mo19%
Chemist$4,910/mo19%
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$4,798/mo19%
Mechanics, Installers, and Repairer$4,789/mo19%
Registered Nurse$4,652/mo20%
Firefighting and Prevention Worker$4,647/mo20%
Accountant$4,644/mo20%
Web Developer$4,512/mo21%
Web and Digital Interface Designer$4,504/mo21%
Police Officer$4,503/mo21%
Construction and Building Inspector$4,478/mo21%
Compliance Officer$4,417/mo21%
Cost Estimator$4,397/mo21%
Claims Adjuster$4,347/mo21%
Dietitian$4,336/mo21%
Sales Representative$4,297/mo22%
Buyers and Purchasing Agent$4,274/mo22%
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technician$4,263/mo22%
Insurance Underwriter$4,233/mo22%
Production and Operating Worker$4,232/mo22%
Food Service Manager$4,226/mo22%
Respiratory Therapist$4,215/mo22%
Chiropractor$4,194/mo22%
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technician$4,171/mo22%
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technician$4,164/mo22%
Computer Network Support Specialist$4,142/mo23%
Electrician$4,139/mo23%
HR Specialist$4,133/mo23%
Massage Therapist$4,099/mo23%
Market Research Analyst$4,073/mo23%
Plumber$4,035/mo23%
Training and Development Specialist$4,030/mo23%
Industrial Machinery Mechanic$4,025/mo23%
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technician$4,022/mo23%
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialist$3,988/mo23%
Social and Community Service Manager$3,988/mo23%
Radiologic Technologist$3,977/mo23%
Fundraiser$3,963/mo24%
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Program$3,942/mo24%
Healthcare Social Worker$3,941/mo24%
Architectural and Civil Drafter$3,925/mo24%
Office and Administrative Support Worker$3,920/mo24%
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$3,919/mo24%
High School Teacher$3,901/mo24%
Special Education Teachers, Middle School$3,866/mo24%
Elementary School Teacher$3,854/mo24%
Editor$3,836/mo24%
HVAC Technician$3,836/mo24%
Paralegals and Legal Assistant$3,836/mo24%
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor$3,835/mo24%
Public Relations Specialist$3,834/mo24%
Equipment Operator$3,830/mo24%
Physical Therapist Assistant$3,816/mo24%
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School$3,791/mo25%
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistant$3,784/mo25%
Advertising Sales Agent$3,773/mo25%
Medical Equipment Repairer$3,749/mo25%
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairer$3,726/mo25%
Special Ed Teacher$3,705/mo25%
Insurance Agent$3,702/mo25%
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator$3,697/mo25%
Postal Service Mail Carrier$3,661/mo25%
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer$3,658/mo25%
Clergy$3,646/mo26%
Postal Service Clerk$3,628/mo26%
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operator$3,606/mo26%
Highway Maintenance Worker$3,550/mo26%
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerk$3,543/mo26%
Licensed Practical Nurse$3,540/mo26%
Writer$3,517/mo26%
Librarian$3,515/mo27%
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tender$3,500/mo27%
School Counselor$3,476/mo27%
IT Support Specialist$3,398/mo27%
Real Estate Agent$3,397/mo27%
Diesel Mechanic$3,394/mo27%
Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Worker$3,380/mo28%
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technician$3,356/mo28%
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent$3,327/mo28%
Producers and Director$3,324/mo28%
Surgical Technologist$3,314/mo28%
Machinist$3,309/mo28%
Truck Driver$3,303/mo28%
Firefighter$3,280/mo28%
Cement Masons and Concrete Finisher$3,263/mo29%
Biological Technician$3,262/mo29%
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner$3,262/mo29%
Property Manager$3,249/mo29%
Paramedic$3,245/mo29%
Automotive Body and Related Repairer$3,243/mo29%
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer$3,238/mo29%
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk$3,236/mo29%
Sheet Metal Worker$3,231/mo29%
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender$3,221/mo29%
Audio and Video Technician$3,216/mo29%
Medical Records Specialist$3,197/mo29%
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$3,187/mo29%
Public Safety Telecommunicator$3,184/mo29%
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairer$3,182/mo29%
Correctional Officer$3,180/mo29%
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker$3,175/mo29%
Carpenter$3,174/mo29%
Welder$3,154/mo30%
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$3,123/mo30%
Maintenance Worker$3,117/mo30%
Security Worker$3,110/mo30%
Tax Preparer$3,109/mo30%
Roofer$3,107/mo30%
Court, Municipal, and License Clerk$3,105/mo30%
Interior Designer$3,105/mo30%
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector$3,095/mo30%
Dental Assistant$3,093/mo30%
Painter$3,089/mo30%
Loan Interviewers and Clerk$3,067/mo30%
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender$3,049/mo31%
Social Worker$3,046/mo31%
Bus Drivers, School$3,045/mo31%
Food Batchmaker$3,043/mo31%
Auto Mechanic$3,036/mo31%
Construction Laborer$3,032/mo31%
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerk$3,013/mo31%
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenter$2,997/mo31%
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weigher$2,993/mo31%
Bookkeeper$2,989/mo31%
Graphic Designer$2,971/mo31%
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender$2,948/mo32%
Ophthalmic Medical Technician$2,941/mo32%
Housekeeping and Janitorial Worker$2,935/mo32%
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$2,918/mo32%
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity$2,891/mo32%
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$2,891/mo32%
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator$2,887/mo32%
Billing and Posting Clerk$2,883/mo32%
Parts Salesperson$2,871/mo32%
Cargo and Freight Agent$2,861/mo33%
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerk$2,828/mo33%
Retail Supervisor$2,816/mo33%
Medical Assistant$2,794/mo33%
Order Clerk$2,732/mo34%
Chef$2,716/mo34%
Customer Service Rep$2,674/mo35%
Admin Assistant$2,657/mo35%
Delivery Driver$2,646/mo35%
Warehouse Worker$2,636/mo35%
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$2,620/mo36%
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistant$2,613/mo36%
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tender$2,612/mo36%
File Clerk$2,601/mo36%
Office Clerk$2,586/mo36%
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmer$2,571/mo36%
Slaughterers and Meat Packer$2,570/mo36%
Pharmacy Technician$2,554/mo36%
Data Entry Keyer$2,514/mo37%
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$2,512/mo37%
Veterinary Technologists and Technician$2,512/mo37%
Sports Coach$2,501/mo37%
Medical Equipment Preparer$2,498/mo37%
Opticians, Dispensing$2,490/mo37%
Library Technician$2,471/mo38%
Food Service Supervisor$2,469/mo38%
Printing Press Operator$2,467/mo38%
Crossing Guards and Flagger$2,465/mo38%
Tutor$2,464/mo38%
Personal Service Worker$2,454/mo38%
Phlebotomist$2,453/mo38%
Social and Human Service Assistant$2,452/mo38%
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistant$2,450/mo38%
EMT$2,445/mo38%
Self-Enrichment Teacher$2,435/mo38%
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse$2,430/mo38%
Landscaper$2,430/mo38%
Pest Control Worker$2,429/mo38%
Nursing Assistant$2,427/mo38%
Tire Repairers and Changer$2,425/mo38%
Driver/Sales Worker$2,400/mo39%
Bill and Account Collector$2,396/mo39%
Psychiatric Technician$2,386/mo39%
Rehabilitation Counselor$2,384/mo39%
Stockers and Order Filler$2,376/mo39%
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmer$2,369/mo39%
Teller$2,359/mo40%
Journalist$2,358/mo40%
Photographer$2,343/mo40%
Packers and Packagers, Hand$2,338/mo40%
Security Guard$2,335/mo40%
Couriers and Messenger$2,319/mo40%
Residential Advisor$2,299/mo41%
Butchers and Meat Cutter$2,285/mo41%
Fitness Trainer$2,269/mo41%
Janitor$2,250/mo41%
Telemarketer$2,244/mo42%
Skincare Specialist$2,237/mo42%
Home Health Aide$2,233/mo42%
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerk$2,210/mo42%
Receptionist$2,183/mo43%
Sewing Machine Operator$2,163/mo43%
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$2,140/mo44%
Baker$2,132/mo44%
Restaurant Cook$2,086/mo45%
Manicurists and Pedicurist$2,072/mo45%
Recreation Worker$2,072/mo45%
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeur$2,038/mo46%
Preschool Teacher$2,027/mo46%
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$2,018/mo46%
School Bus Monitor$2,007/mo46%
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaner$1,990/mo47%
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretaker$1,970/mo47%
Counter and Rental Clerk$1,969/mo47%
Teaching Assistant$1,955/mo48%
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker$1,954/mo48%
Hairdresser$1,953/mo48%
Animal Caretaker$1,951/mo48%
Retail Salesperson$1,951/mo48%
Parking Attendant$1,932/mo48%
Cooks, Short Order$1,923/mo48%
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendant$1,913/mo49%
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$1,908/mo49%
Food Preparation Worker$1,866/mo50%
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerk$1,856/mo50%
Cashier$1,853/mo50%
Fast Food and Counter Worker$1,841/mo51%
Cooks, Fast Food$1,818/mo51%
Library Assistants, Clerical$1,788/mo52%
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helper$1,767/mo53%
Server$1,755/mo53%
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$1,754/mo53%
Dishwasher$1,696/mo55%
Childcare Worker$1,682/mo55%
Amusement and Recreation Attendant$1,600/mo58%
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Taker$1,563/mo60%
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Worker$1,558/mo60%
Bartender$1,415/mo66%

Pay is BLS OEWS 2023 state median wages after a rough ~22% tax estimate — a ballpark, not a real paycheck. It doesn't include state taxes, insurance, transport, or the cost of moving.

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