Police Officer Salary in Iowa
Based on 5K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$74,470
$35.80/hr
vs National Average
$74,181
+0.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$59K – $102K
5K employed in Iowa
The median Police Officer salary in Iowa is $74,470 per year, which equates to approximately $36 per hour. This figure is slightly higher than the national average, by about 0.4%. Currently, there are 5,130 Police Officers employed in Iowa, indicating a stable job market for this profession.
Several factors can influence a Police Officer salary in Iowa. These include years of experience, the specific law enforcement agency or department an officer works for, and the geographic location within the state, as cost of living can vary. Higher levels of education or specialized training may also lead to increased earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $59,360 |
| 25th percentile | $63,810 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $74,470 |
| 75th percentile | $86,160 |
| 90th percentile | $101,520 |
Top-Paying Industries for Police Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Police Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Police Officers in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $98,750 | — |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $83,620 | 370 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $76,520 | 642K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $65,640 | 3K |
| Educational Services | $62,110 | 24K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Police Officer in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $74,470 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,704 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $74,470 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,704 | $76,406 |
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $63,810 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $74,470 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $86,160 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $101,520 |
Police Officer Salary in Other States
Related Police Officer Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Police Officer ($74,470 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Police Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in IA | $55,810 | -25.1% | $26.83/hr |
| Security Guard in IA | $37,080 | -50.2% | $17.83/hr |
| Geoscientist in IA | $74,460 | -0.0% | $35.80/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in IA | $74,760 | +0.4% | $35.94/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in IA | $74,970 | +0.7% | $36.04/hr |
| Compliance Officer in IA | $75,620 | +1.5% | $36.36/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in IA | $72,690 | -2.4% | $34.95/hr |
| Credit Analyst in IA | $76,760 | +3.1% | $36.90/hr |
| Accountant in IA | $77,440 | +4.0% | $37.23/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in IA | $78,510 | +5.4% | $37.75/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in IA | $70,420 | -5.4% | $33.86/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in IA | $70,360 | -5.5% | $33.83/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Police Officer in Iowa?
- The salary range for a Police Officer in Iowa typically falls between $59,360 and $101,520 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and departmental pay scales.
How does the median Police Officer salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
- The median Police Officer salary in Iowa is $74,470 per year, which is 0.4% higher than the national average. This suggests that compensation for officers in Iowa is slightly more favorable on average.
What is the hourly wage for a Police Officer in Iowa?
- For a median annual salary of $74,470, a Police Officer in Iowa can expect to earn approximately $36 per hour. This hourly rate is derived from the yearly median and standard working hours.
How many Police Officers are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 5,130 Police Officers currently employed across Iowa. This number indicates the overall size of the law enforcement workforce within the state.