Librarian Salaries in Iowa — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Librarians in Iowa earn an average of $52,780 per year ($25.37/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 1,820 librarians.
Librarian salaries in Iowa are below the national average by approximately $11,209. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Iowa's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for librarians across both urban and rural areas.
Iowa Librarian 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 Librarian Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Iowa median of $52,780.
Librarian Salary by Experience — Iowa
Librarian Salary Trend in Iowa — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Iowa has seen 13.9% wage growth for librarians — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Iowa's public libraries and education.
Librarian Salary by City — Iowa
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $58,600 | $28.17 | +11.0% | 637 |
| Cedar Rapids | $55,950 | $26.90 | +6.0% | 509 |
| Davenport | $54,350 | $26.13 | +3.0% | 327 |
| Sioux City | $50,650 | $24.35 | -4.0% | 163 |
| Iowa City | $48,050 | $23.10 | -9.0% | 109 |
| Waterloo | $45,900 | $22.07 | -13.0% | 72 |
Tip: Des Moines offers the highest librarian salaries in Iowa at $58,600/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 librarians.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Librarian Job Outlook in Iowa
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for librarians 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 librarians across both urban and rural areas.
How to Earn More as a Librarian in Iowa
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a librarian in Iowa typically adds $43,300 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Library Certification Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Des Moines pays librarians $58,600/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. Librarians who specialise in public libraries and education 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 librarians $75,260/yr — 42.6% vs Iowa.
Find Librarian Jobs in Iowa
Live ListingsSearch current librarian job vacancies in Iowa:
🔍 Librarian jobs in Iowa — Indeed→ 🔍 Librarian jobs in Iowa — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Librarian jobs — Des Moines, IA→