Accountant Salary in Iowa
Based on 13K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$77,440
$37.23/hr
vs National Average
$82,597
-6.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $124K
13K employed in Iowa
Accountant salary in Iowa averages $77,440 per year, with approximately 13,210 professionals working in the state. This figure falls about 6% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. Iowa's accounting workforce spans diverse industries, from agriculture and manufacturing to financial services, creating varied employment opportunities across the state.
Several factors influence accountant salary in Iowa, including years of experience, professional certifications like CPA status, company size, and industry sector. Urban centers like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids typically offer higher compensation than rural areas. Educational background, specialized expertise in tax or audit work, and advancement to senior or management positions also significantly impact earning potential for Iowa accountants.
Salary Distribution — Accountant in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $51,420 |
| 25th percentile | $62,090 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $77,440 |
| 75th percentile | $98,150 |
| 90th percentile | $123,700 |
Top H-1B Employers for Accountant in Iowa
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Iowa — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ernst & Young U.S. LLP | 8 | $79,149 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Accountant H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Iowa
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Iowa.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level II | Qualified | $80,299 | 5 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Accountant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Accountants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Accountants in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $106,050 | 8K |
| Information | $99,430 | 35K |
| Utilities | $98,130 | 8K |
| Finance and Insurance | $93,290 | 119K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $91,940 | 105K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Accountant in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,940 |
| 2023 | $71,440 |
| 2024 | $74,290 |
| 2025 | $77,440 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,724 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,940 | $73,060 |
| 2023 | $71,440 | $76,751 |
| 2024 | $74,290 | $79,712 |
| 2025 | $77,440 | $82,597 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,724 | $86,099 |
Accountant Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,090 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $77,440 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $98,150 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $123,700 |
Accountant Salary in Other States
Related Accountant Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Accountant ($77,440 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Accountant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in IA | $133,320 | +72.2% | $64.10/hr |
| Actuary in IA | $128,690 | +66.2% | $61.87/hr |
| Economist in IA | $96,310 | +24.4% | $46.30/hr |
| Financial Analyst in IA | $92,370 | +19.3% | $44.41/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in IA | $92,310 | +19.2% | $44.38/hr |
| Budget Analyst in IA | $86,550 | +11.8% | $41.61/hr |
| Loan Officer in IA | $83,670 | +8.0% | $40.23/hr |
| Financial Examiner in IA | $80,370 | +3.8% | $38.64/hr |
| Tax Examiner in IA | $79,390 | +2.5% | $38.17/hr |
| Credit Analyst in IA | $76,760 | -0.9% | $36.90/hr |
| Compliance Officer in IA | $75,620 | -2.4% | $36.36/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in IA | $64,290 | -17.0% | $30.91/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do accountants make in Iowa?
- Accountants in Iowa earn a median salary of $77,440 per year, or approximately $37 per hour. This is about 6.2% below the national average for the same position.
What is the salary range for accountants in Iowa?
- Accountant salaries in Iowa range from $51,420 at the lower end to $123,700 at the higher end, depending on experience, education, and employer.
How many accountants are employed in Iowa?
- There are currently 13,210 accountants employed throughout Iowa, making it a significant portion of the state's professional workforce.
Is accounting a good career choice in Iowa compared to other states?
- While accounting is a stable career in Iowa, accountants earn 6.2% less than the national average at $77,440 annually, so you may find higher compensation in other states.