Creative & Education Iowa City, IA Pop. 74,828

College Professor Salary in Iowa City, Iowa

The median college professor salary in Iowa City, IA is $79,686 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$79,686
vs State Avg
+$5,033
vs National
$-4,194
Cost of Living
95%

College Professor Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median college professor salary of $79,686, which is $5,033 above the Iowa state average of $74,653. Compared to the national median of $83,880, 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 college professors in Iowa City spans from $42,750 at the 10th percentile to $159,600 at the 90th percentile — a $116,850 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,600, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $152,000. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

College Professor Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level college professor earns around $45,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $152,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,600
$-2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,700
$-4,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$152,000
$-8,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa City, IA

Percentile Iowa City
10th Percentile $42,750
25th Percentile $57,000
Median (50th) $79,686
75th Percentile $114,000
90th Percentile $159,600

College Professor Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Des Moines, IA
$77,170
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$73,814
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$72,137
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$70,459
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a College Professor in Iowa City

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Iowa City and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Iowa City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find College Professor Jobs in Iowa City

Browse open college professor positions in Iowa City, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Iowa City

How much does a College Professor make in Iowa City, IA? ▼
The median college professor salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $79,686 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $42,750 (10th percentile) to $159,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Iowa City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,686, a college professor in Iowa City earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for college professor pay? ▼
Iowa City's median college professor salary of $79,686 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $74,653. 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 college professor salary of $79,686 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Iowa City? ▼
Most college professor positions in Iowa City require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.