Editor Salary in Iowa
Based on 900+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$57,200
$27.50/hr
vs National Average
$66,682
-14.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $109K
900 employed in Iowa
The median editor salary in Iowa is $57,200 per year, with approximately 900 editors currently employed in the state. This figure sits 14 percent below the national average, reflecting regional differences in cost of living and media industry concentration. Iowa's editor salaries range from $38,050 to $108,820 annually, depending on experience and employment sector.
Several factors influence editor salary in Iowa, including years of experience, employer type, and specialization within the field. Editors working for larger publications or in specialized areas like technical or medical editing typically earn higher compensation than those in smaller markets. Geographic location within Iowa, educational background, and industry demand also play significant roles in determining individual salary outcomes.
Salary Distribution — Editor in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,050 |
| 25th percentile | $45,800 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $57,200 |
| 75th percentile | $75,180 |
| 90th percentile | $108,820 |
Top-Paying Industries for Editor (U.S.)
Which industries pay Editors the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Editors in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,360 | 1K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $81,450 | 50 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $79,570 | 5K |
| Retail Trade | $79,350 | 370 |
| Information | $78,310 | 54K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Editor in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $59,380 |
| 2023 | $59,020 |
| 2024 | $58,570 |
| 2025 | $57,200 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,200 |
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 | $59,380 | $58,973 |
| 2023 | $59,020 | $61,285 |
| 2024 | $58,570 | $61,822 |
| 2025 | $57,200 | $66,682 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,200 | $66,682 |
Editor Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $45,800 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $57,200 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $75,180 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $108,820 |
Editor Salary in Other States
Related Editor Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Editor ($57,200 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Editor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistician in IA | $78,740 | +37.7% | $37.86/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in IA | $70,360 | +23.0% | $33.83/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in IA | $66,390 | +16.1% | $31.92/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in IA | $66,110 | +15.6% | $31.78/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in IA | $62,970 | +10.1% | $30.27/hr |
| Writer and Author in IA | $61,010 | +6.7% | $29.33/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in IA | $50,140 | -12.3% | $24.11/hr |
| School Counselor in IA | $56,540 | -1.2% | $27.18/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in IA | $57,980 | +1.4% | $27.88/hr |
| Interior Designer in IA | $58,040 | +1.5% | $27.90/hr |
| Truck Driver in IA | $58,070 | +1.5% | $27.92/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in IA | $58,420 | +2.1% | $28.09/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do editors make in Iowa?
- The median salary for editors in Iowa is $57,200 per year, or $28 per hour. This is approximately 14.2% below the national average for editorial positions.
What is the salary range for editors in Iowa?
- Editor salaries in Iowa range from a low of $38,050 to a high of $108,820 per year, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
Is editor salary in Iowa below the national average?
- Yes, Iowa editor salaries are 14.2% below the national average, with the median at $57,200 annually compared to higher rates in other states.
How many editors are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 900 editors currently employed in Iowa, representing the local job market for editorial professionals in the state.