SalaryData

Social Worker Salary in Iowa

Based on 1K+ workers in Iowa

Data year: 2025 · Last updated: June 2026

Median Annual Salary (IA)

$48,530

$23.332/hr

vs National Average

$57,161

-15.1% vs national median

Salary Range (10th–90th)

$38K $81K

1K employed in Iowa

Social workers in Iowa earn a median salary of $48,530 per year, with approximately 1,200 workers employed in the state. This salary is about 15% below the national average for social workers. The salary range spans from $37,980 to $80,760 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and employment settings.

Several factors influence social worker salary in Iowa, including years of experience, educational credentials, employer type, and geographic location within the state. Social workers in urban areas or specialized fields such as clinical practice or hospital settings typically earn more than those in rural communities or government agencies. Advancement to supervisory or administrative positions also significantly impacts earning potential in this profession.

Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Iowa

Social Worker (IA) salary percentiles
PercentileAnnual Salary
10th percentile$37,980
25th percentile$44,630
Median (50th percentile)$48,530
75th percentile$66,180
90th percentile$80,760

Historical Salary Trend — Social Worker in Iowa vs National

Historical Social Worker (Iowa vs National) salary trend
YearMedian Salary (United States)
2022$45,870
2023$48,850
2024$50,340
2025$48,530
Historical salary trend for Social Worker in Iowa
YearIowa MedianNational Median
2022$45,870$50,498
2023$48,850$53,608
2024$50,340$56,931
2025$48,530$57,161

Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Iowa

Social Worker Salary in Other States

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do social workers make in Iowa?

The median salary for social workers in Iowa is $48,530 per year, which equates to approximately $23 per hour. This is about 15.1% lower than the national average for social workers.

What is the salary range for social workers in Iowa?

Social worker salaries in Iowa range from a low of $37,980 to a high of $80,760 per year, depending on experience, specialization, and employer type.

How many social workers are employed in Iowa?

There are approximately 1,200 social workers currently employed in Iowa, providing a stable employment base in the state.

Is social work a well-paid job in Iowa compared to the US?

Social work in Iowa pays 15.1% below the national average, with the state median of $48,530 annually falling short of what social workers typically earn across the United States. However, the profession still offers a solid middle-class income for those committed to helping others.

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