Police Officer Salaries in Iowa — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Iowa pays police officers a median wage of $73,900 per year — that's $35.53/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 5,110 police officers make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Police Officer salaries in Iowa are above the national average by approximately $659. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Iowa's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for police officers across both urban and rural areas.
Iowa Police 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 Police Officer Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Iowa median of $73,900.
Police Officer Salary by Experience — Iowa
Police Officer Salary Trend in Iowa — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for police officers 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 law enforcement and public safety.
Police Officer Salary by City — Iowa
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $82,050 | $39.45 | +11.0% | 1,788 |
| Cedar Rapids | $78,350 | $37.67 | +6.0% | 1,430 |
| Davenport | $76,100 | $36.59 | +3.0% | 919 |
| Sioux City | $70,950 | $34.11 | -4.0% | 459 |
| Iowa City | $67,250 | $32.33 | -9.0% | 306 |
| Waterloo | $64,300 | $30.91 | -13.0% | 204 |
Tip: Des Moines offers the highest police officer salaries in Iowa at $82,050/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 police officers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Police Officer Job Outlook in Iowa
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for police officers 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 police officers across both urban and rural areas.
How to Earn More as a Police Officer in Iowa
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a police officer in Iowa typically adds $60,600 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Law Enforcement Training Commission can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Des Moines pays police officers $82,050/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. Police Officers who specialise in law enforcement 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 police officers $83,310/yr — 12.7% vs Iowa.
Find Police Officer Jobs in Iowa
Live ListingsSearch current police officer job vacancies in Iowa:
🔍 Police Officer jobs in Iowa — Indeed→ 🔍 Police Officer jobs in Iowa — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Police Officer jobs — Des Moines, IA→