Correctional Officer Salaries in Iowa — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median correctional officer salary in Iowa is $73,880 per year, equivalent to $35.52/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Iowa employs approximately 270 correctional officers statewide.
Correctional Officer salaries in Iowa are below the national average by approximately $2,550. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
A solid industrial economy and stable population mean correctional officers in Iowa enjoy reliable job security.
Iowa Correctional Officer 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 Correctional Officer Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Iowa median of $73,880.
Correctional Officer Salary by Experience — Iowa
Correctional Officer Salary Trend in Iowa — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Datacorrectional officers pay in Iowa has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the correctional officer workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Iowa's corrections and public safety.
Correctional Officer Salary by City — Iowa
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $82,000 | $39.42 | +11.0% | 94 |
| Cedar Rapids | $78,300 | $37.64 | +6.0% | 75 |
| Davenport | $76,100 | $36.59 | +3.0% | 50 |
| Sioux City | $70,900 | $34.09 | -4.0% | 50 |
| Iowa City | $67,250 | $32.33 | -9.0% | 50 |
| Waterloo | $64,300 | $30.91 | -13.0% | 50 |
Tip: Des Moines offers the highest correctional officer salaries in Iowa at $82,000/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 correctional officers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Correctional Officer Job Outlook in Iowa
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for correctional officers in Iowa is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Iowa job market. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean correctional officers in Iowa enjoy reliable job security.
How to Earn More as a Correctional Officer in Iowa
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a correctional officer in Iowa typically adds $60,600 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Corrections can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Des Moines pays correctional officers $82,000/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. Correctional Officers who specialise in corrections and public safety 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 correctional officers $91,790/yr — 24.2% vs Iowa.
Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Iowa
Live ListingsSearch current correctional officer job vacancies in Iowa:
🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in Iowa — Indeed→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in Iowa — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs — Des Moines, IA→