Social Worker Salary in Iowa
Based on 1K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$48,530
$23.33/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
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,980 |
| 25th percentile | $44,630 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $48,530 |
| 75th percentile | $66,180 |
| 90th percentile | $80,760 |
Top-Paying Industries for Social Worker (U.S.)
Which industries pay Social Workers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Social Workers in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $94,250 | 550 |
| Educational Services | $72,880 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,600 | 20K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $65,990 | 2K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $59,270 | 104K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Social Worker in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $45,870 |
| 2023 | $48,850 |
| 2024 | $50,340 |
| 2025 | $48,530 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,530 |
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 | $45,870 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $48,850 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $50,340 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $48,530 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,530 | $57,161 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $44,630 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $48,530 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $66,180 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $80,760 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Social Worker ($48,530 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in IA | $429,050 | +784.1% | $206.27/hr |
| Radiologist in IA | $405,220 | +735.0% | $194.82/hr |
| Surgeon in IA | $370,390 | +663.2% | $178.07/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IA | $356,020 | +633.6% | $171.16/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IA | $295,270 | +508.4% | $141.96/hr |
| Cardiologist in IA | $283,070 | +483.3% | $136.09/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IA | $273,070 | +462.7% | $131.28/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IA | $265,200 | +446.5% | $127.50/hr |
| Pediatrician in IA | $262,440 | +440.8% | $126.17/hr |
| Dentist in IA | $181,520 | +274.0% | $87.27/hr |
| Pharmacist in IA | $138,860 | +186.1% | $66.76/hr |
| Podiatrist in IA | $134,830 | +177.8% | $64.82/hr |
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.