Business & Finance Iowa City, IA Pop. 74,828

Accountant Salary in Iowa City, Iowa

The median accountant salary in Iowa City, IA is $75,886 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$75,886
vs State Avg
+$4,793
vs National
$-3,994
Cost of Living
95%

Accountant Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median accountant salary of $75,886, which is $4,793 above the Iowa state average of $71,093. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for accountants in Iowa City spans from $47,880 at the 10th percentile to $126,160 at the 90th percentile — a $78,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,400, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $114,000. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Accountant Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level accountant earns around $49,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,400
$-2,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,000
$-4,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,000
$-6,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa City, IA

Percentile Iowa City
10th Percentile $47,880
25th Percentile $59,565
Median (50th) $75,886
75th Percentile $97,280
90th Percentile $126,160

Accountant Salary in Other Iowa Cities

How to Become a Accountant in Iowa City

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Iowa City and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Iowa City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in Iowa City

Browse open accountant positions in Iowa City, IA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Accountant make in Iowa City, IA? ▼
The median accountant salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $75,886 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $47,880 (10th percentile) to $126,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Iowa City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,886, a accountant in Iowa City earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for accountant pay? ▼
Iowa City's median accountant salary of $75,886 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $71,093. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼
Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $75,886 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Iowa City? ▼
Most accountant positions in Iowa City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include GAAP, Tax Preparation, Financial Analysis, QuickBooks. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.