Bookkeeper Salaries in Iowa — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Bookkeepers in Iowa earn an average of $47,150 per year ($22.67/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 14,150 bookkeepers.
Bookkeeper salaries in Iowa are below the national average by approximately $1,591. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Iowa's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for bookkeepers across both urban and rural areas.
Iowa Bookkeeper Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Iowa after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Iowa Bookkeeper Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Iowa median of $47,150.
Bookkeeper Salary by Experience — Iowa
Bookkeeper Salary Trend in Iowa — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for bookkeepers in Iowa: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Iowa's business and financial services.
Bookkeeper Salary by City — Iowa
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $52,350 | $25.17 | +11.0% | 4,952 |
| Cedar Rapids | $50,000 | $24.04 | +6.0% | 3,962 |
| Davenport | $48,550 | $23.34 | +3.0% | 2,547 |
| Sioux City | $45,250 | $21.75 | -4.0% | 1,273 |
| Iowa City | $42,900 | $20.62 | -9.0% | 849 |
| Waterloo | $41,000 | $19.71 | -13.0% | 566 |
Tip: Des Moines offers the highest bookkeeper salaries in Iowa at $52,350/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Iowa vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Iowa sits in the mid-range for bookkeepers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Bookkeeper Job Outlook in Iowa
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for bookkeepers in Iowa is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Iowa job market. Iowa's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for bookkeepers across both urban and rural areas.
How to Earn More as a Bookkeeper in Iowa
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a bookkeeper in Iowa typically adds $38,700 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the AIPB Certification (voluntary) can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Des Moines pays bookkeepers $52,350/yr — +11.0% above the Iowa average. Simply relocating within Iowa can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Bookkeepers who specialise in business and financial services typically command premium rates in Iowa. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Minnesota pays bookkeepers $52,350/yr — 11.0% vs Iowa.
Find Bookkeeper Jobs in Iowa
Live ListingsSearch current bookkeeper job vacancies in Iowa:
🔍 Bookkeeper jobs in Iowa — Indeed→ 🔍 Bookkeeper jobs in Iowa — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Bookkeeper jobs — Des Moines, IA→