Tax Examiner Salary in Iowa
Based on 1K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$79,390
$38.17/hr
vs National Average
$80,426
-1.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $124K
1K employed in Iowa
The tax examiner salary in Iowa averages $79,390 per year, reflecting compensation for professionals who review tax returns and ensure compliance with state regulations. This median aligns closely with national standards, sitting just 1% below the national average. Currently, approximately 1,220 tax examiners work across Iowa, contributing to the state's revenue administration and taxpayer services.
Several factors influence tax examiner compensation in Iowa, including years of experience, educational background, and specific employer type. Government agencies typically offer standardized pay scales with predictable increases, while private sector positions may vary based on company size and profitability. Geographic location within Iowa and specialized certifications can also impact earning potential, with salaries ranging from $49,600 to $123,870 depending on these individual circumstances.
Salary Distribution — Tax Examiner in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,600 |
| 25th percentile | $62,050 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $79,390 |
| 75th percentile | $100,030 |
| 90th percentile | $123,870 |
Top-Paying Industries for Tax Examiner (U.S.)
Which industries pay Tax Examiners the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Tax Examiners in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $116,460 | 570 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $100,780 | 10K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $98,710 | 290 |
| Manufacturing | $97,290 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $95,910 | 34K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Tax Examiner in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $71,280 |
| 2023 | $75,510 |
| 2024 | $75,770 |
| 2025 | $79,390 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,183 |
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 | $71,280 | $72,325 |
| 2023 | $75,510 | $75,516 |
| 2024 | $75,770 | $78,398 |
| 2025 | $79,390 | $80,426 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,183 | $84,268 |
Tax Examiner Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,050 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $79,390 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $100,030 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $123,870 |
Tax Examiner Salary in Other States
Related Tax Examiner Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Tax Examiner ($79,390 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Tax Examiner | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in IA | $133,320 | +67.9% | $64.10/hr |
| Actuary in IA | $128,690 | +62.1% | $61.87/hr |
| Economist in IA | $96,310 | +21.3% | $46.30/hr |
| Financial Analyst in IA | $92,370 | +16.3% | $44.41/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in IA | $92,310 | +16.3% | $44.38/hr |
| Budget Analyst in IA | $86,550 | +9.0% | $41.61/hr |
| Loan Officer in IA | $83,670 | +5.4% | $40.23/hr |
| Financial Examiner in IA | $80,370 | +1.2% | $38.64/hr |
| Accountant in IA | $77,440 | -2.5% | $37.23/hr |
| Credit Analyst in IA | $76,760 | -3.3% | $36.90/hr |
| Compliance Officer in IA | $75,620 | -4.7% | $36.36/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in IA | $64,290 | -19.0% | $30.91/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tax examiners make in Iowa?
- Tax examiners in Iowa earn a median salary of $79,390 per year, or $38 per hour. This is slightly below the national average, representing a difference of -1.3% compared to tax examiners across the United States.
What is the salary range for tax examiners in Iowa?
- Tax examiner salaries in Iowa range from $49,600 at the lower end to $123,870 at the higher end. The wide range reflects differences in experience, education, and specific role responsibilities within the field.
How many tax examiners work in Iowa?
- There are approximately 1,220 tax examiners employed in Iowa. This represents a stable job market for professionals in this field across the state.
Is the tax examiner salary in Iowa competitive nationally?
- Iowa's tax examiner median salary of $79,390 is 1.3% below the national average. While slightly lower than the national median, Iowa's salary remains competitive, especially when considering the lower cost of living in many parts of the state.