EMT Salaries in Iowa — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a emt make in Iowa? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $39,260/yr ($18.88/hr), with around 1,210 people working in this field statewide.
EMT salaries in Iowa are below the national average by approximately $2,085. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Iowa's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for emts.
Iowa EMT 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 EMT Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Iowa median of $39,260.
EMT Salary by Experience — Iowa
EMT Salary Trend in Iowa — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for emts 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 emergency medical services.
EMT Salary by City — Iowa
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $43,600 | $20.96 | +11.1% | 423 |
| Cedar Rapids | $41,600 | $20.00 | +6.0% | 338 |
| Davenport | $40,450 | $19.45 | +3.0% | 217 |
| Sioux City | $37,700 | $18.12 | -4.0% | 108 |
| Iowa City | $35,750 | $17.19 | -8.9% | 72 |
| Waterloo | $34,150 | $16.42 | -13.0% | 50 |
Tip: Des Moines offers the highest emt salaries in Iowa at $43,600/yr — +11.1% 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 emts.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
EMT Job Outlook in Iowa
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for emts in Iowa is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Iowa job market. Iowa's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for emts.
How to Earn More as an EMT in Iowa
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as an emt in Iowa typically adds $32,200 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State EMS Licensing Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Des Moines pays emts $43,600/yr — +11.1% above the Iowa average. Simply relocating within Iowa can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. EMTs who specialise in emergency medical 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 emts $45,690/yr — 16.4% vs Iowa.
Find EMT Jobs in Iowa
Live ListingsSearch current emt job vacancies in Iowa:
🔍 EMT jobs in Iowa — Indeed→ 🔍 EMT jobs in Iowa — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 EMT jobs — Des Moines, IA→