Paralegal Salary in Iowa
Based on 3K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$54,550
$26.23/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
-12.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $84K
3K employed in Iowa
Paralegals in Iowa earn a median salary of $54,550 per year, with approximately 2,980 workers employed in the state. This figure falls about 12% below the national average, reflecting regional differences in legal market demand and cost of living. Iowa's paralegal workforce represents a steady professional sector within the state's broader legal industry.
Paralegal salary in Iowa varies based on several key factors, including years of experience, specialization in specific practice areas, and employer type. Salaries typically range from $37,900 to $83,520 annually, with compensation influenced by whether one works for a large firm, small practice, or corporate legal department. Geographic location within Iowa, educational credentials, and local demand for legal services also play significant roles in determining individual earnings.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,900 |
| 25th percentile | $47,820 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $54,550 |
| 75th percentile | $66,560 |
| 90th percentile | $83,520 |
Top-Paying Industries for Paralegal (U.S.)
Which industries pay Paralegals the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Paralegals in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $97,880 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $97,640 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $96,380 | 110 |
| Utilities | $95,330 | 280 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $94,940 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Paralegal in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $52,660 |
| 2023 | $59,020 |
| 2024 | $53,280 |
| 2025 | $54,550 |
| 2026 (projected) | $55,850 |
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 | $52,660 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $59,020 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $53,280 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $54,550 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $55,850 | $63,584 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,820 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $54,550 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $66,560 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $83,520 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Paralegal ($54,550 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in IA | $123,550 | +126.5% | $59.40/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in IA | $64,260 | +17.8% | $30.89/hr |
| Title Examiner in IA | $46,330 | -15.1% | $22.27/hr |
| Firefighter in IA | $55,810 | +2.3% | $26.83/hr |
| School Counselor in IA | $56,540 | +3.6% | $27.18/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in IA | $52,160 | -4.4% | $25.08/hr |
| Editor in IA | $57,200 | +4.9% | $27.50/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in IA | $57,980 | +6.3% | $27.88/hr |
| Interior Designer in IA | $58,040 | +6.4% | $27.90/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in IA | $51,030 | -6.5% | $24.53/hr |
| Truck Driver in IA | $58,070 | +6.5% | $27.92/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in IA | $58,420 | +7.1% | $28.09/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do paralegals make in Iowa?
- The median salary for paralegals in Iowa is $54,550 per year, or approximately $26 per hour. This is about 12.2% lower than the national average for paralegals.
What is the salary range for paralegals in Iowa?
- Paralegals in Iowa earn between $37,900 and $83,520 per year depending on experience, location, and employer. The gap between entry-level and experienced positions represents significant earning potential in the field.
How many paralegals are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 2,980 paralegals currently employed in Iowa. This represents the total workforce in the state for this profession.
Is paralegal pay in Iowa below the national average?
- Yes, Iowa's median paralegal salary of $54,550 is 12.2% below the national average. However, entry-level positions start at $37,900 and can reach $83,520 for experienced professionals.