Automotive Service Technician Salary in Iowa
Based on 8K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$50,510
$24.28/hr
vs National Average
$52,179
-3.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $77K
8K employed in Iowa
The median Automotive Service Technician salary in Iowa is $50,510 per year, which is approximately 3% below the national average. With around 7,610 technicians employed across the state, Iowa represents a stable workforce in this skilled trade. Salaries in this field range from $36,100 for entry-level positions to $77,400 for experienced professionals.
Several factors influence earning potential for Automotive Service Technicians in Iowa. Experience level significantly impacts compensation, with veteran technicians commanding higher wages than those new to the field. Specialization in advanced diagnostics, certification status, and the type of employer—whether independent shops, dealerships, or large service centers—also affect salary outcomes. Geographic location within Iowa and the complexity of work performed further shape individual earning trajectories.
Salary Distribution — Automotive Service Technician in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,100 |
| 25th percentile | $39,340 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $50,510 |
| 75th percentile | $67,200 |
| 90th percentile | $77,400 |
Top-Paying Industries for Automotive Service Technician (U.S.)
Which industries pay Automotive Service Technicians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Automotive Service Technicians in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $100,570 | 250 |
| Utilities | $94,910 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $76,020 | 370 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $63,650 | 15K |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $61,450 | 4K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Automotive Service Technician in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $44,820 |
| 2023 | $46,700 |
| 2024 | $48,400 |
| 2025 | $50,510 |
| 2026 (projected) | $52,712 |
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 | $44,820 | $46,532 |
| 2023 | $46,700 | $47,903 |
| 2024 | $48,400 | $50,586 |
| 2025 | $50,510 | $52,179 |
| 2026 (projected) | $52,712 | $54,454 |
Automotive Service Technician Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $39,340 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $50,510 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $67,200 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $77,400 |
Automotive Service Technician Salary in Other States
Related Automotive Service Technician Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Automotive Service Technician ($50,510 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Automotive Service Technician | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in IA | $131,730 | +160.8% | $63.33/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in IA | $78,510 | +55.4% | $37.75/hr |
| Plumber in IA | $63,890 | +26.5% | $30.72/hr |
| Electrician in IA | $60,860 | +20.5% | $29.26/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in IA | $52,160 | +3.3% | $25.08/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in IA | $48,870 | -3.2% | $23.50/hr |
| Construction Laborer in IA | $48,490 | -4.0% | $23.31/hr |
| Graphic Designer in IA | $50,310 | -0.4% | $24.19/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in IA | $50,140 | -0.7% | $24.11/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in IA | $51,030 | +1.0% | $24.53/hr |
| Data Analyst in IA | $49,020 | -2.9% | $23.57/hr |
| Social Worker in IA | $48,530 | -3.9% | $23.33/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do automotive service technicians make in Iowa?
- Automotive service technicians in Iowa earn a median salary of $50,510 per year, or $24 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 3.2%, but represents a solid middle-class income for the state.
What is the salary range for auto technicians in Iowa?
- The salary range for automotive service technicians in Iowa spans from $36,100 to $77,400 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, certifications, and employer type across the state's 7,610 employed technicians.
Is the automotive service technician salary in Iowa above or below average?
- Iowa's automotive service technician median salary of $50,510 is 3.2% below the national average. Despite being slightly lower than the national benchmark, it remains a competitive wage for skilled technical work in the state.
How many automotive service technicians work in Iowa?
- There are 7,610 automotive service technicians employed in Iowa, making it a substantial occupation sector in the state's workforce.