Computer Programmer Salary in Iowa (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Computer Programmers in Iowa, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Iowa Median
$79,180
per year
Hourly Rate
$38.07
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-21% vs US median
US median $100,390
State Rank
#41 of 46
950 employed here

How much does a Computer Programmer make in Iowa?

A Computer Programmer working in Iowa earns a median salary of $79,180 per year, or about $38.07 per hour. That is 21% below the national median of $100,390 for this occupation.

Within Iowa, entry-level pay starts around $54,060 while the top 10% make $128,520 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $72,010 and $103,940 a year.

Computer Programmer salary range in Iowa

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$54,060$25.99
25th percentile (early career)$72,010$34.62
50th percentile (median)$79,180$38.07
75th percentile (experienced)$103,940$49.97
90th percentile (top earners)$128,520$61.79

How Iowa compares

Iowa ranks 41st out of 46 states and territories for Computer Programmer pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Connecticut$133,820
2Massachusetts$128,390
3Washington$125,620
4Maryland$125,570
5Virginia$121,610

Working as a Computer Programmer in Iowa

Nationally, about 92,000 people work as Computer Programmers in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Iowa pay ($79,180) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Computer Programmer make in Iowa?
The median Computer Programmer salary in Iowa is $79,180 per year, or about $38.07 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $54,060 at the entry level to $128,520 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Iowa pay compare to the national average?
Iowa pays Computer Programmers about 21% less than the national median of $100,390. Iowa ranks 41st out of 46 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Iowa a good state for Computer Programmers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $79,180 a year. About 950 Computer Programmers are employed in Iowa. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Iowa?
The highest-paying occupations in Iowa include Emergency Medicine Physician ($429,050), Dermatologist ($424,970), Radiologist ($405,220), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Computer Programmer salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.