Creative & Education Iowa (IA) Rank #39 of 50

Education Administrator Salary in Iowa

The median education administrator salary in Iowa is $90,958 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $102,200.

Median Salary
$90,958
vs National
$-11,242
State Rank
#39 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Education Administrator Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)

Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for education administrator compensation. Education Administrator salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $90,958 per year, education administrators in Iowa earn $11,242 less than the national median of $102,200.

A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $90,958 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $102,200 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Iowa is significant: education administrators at the 10th percentile earn $55,180, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $144,180 — a $89,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Iowa for this role is Iowa City, where the median reaches $97,090.

Nationally, education administrator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for education administrators across the country.

Education Administrator Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level education administrator earns around $57,850, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,950 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,850
$-7,150 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,560
$-11,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$137,950
$-17,050 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $55,180
25th Percentile $69,420
Median (50th) $90,958
75th Percentile $117,480
90th Percentile $144,180

Education Administrator Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for education administrators in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Education Administrator in Iowa

Education

Most education administrator positions require a master's degree. Iowa has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Educational LeadershipBudget ManagementPolicy DevelopmentStaff EvaluationAccreditationCommunication

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, education administrator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Education Administrator Salary in Iowa

How much does a Education Administrator make in Iowa? ▼
The median education administrator salary in Iowa is $90,958 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $102,200. Salaries range from $55,180 (10th percentile) to $144,180 (90th percentile).
How much does a Education Administrator make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,958, a education administrator in Iowa earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for education administrators? ▼
Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for education administrator pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level education administrators earn $57,850, while senior professionals earn $137,950.
How does Iowa compare to other states for education administrator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for education administrators is Hawaii at $173,740. Iowa's median of $90,958 ranks #39 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($91,980) and Ohio ($91,980).
What is the entry-level education administrator salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level education administrator in Iowa earns approximately $57,850 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $92,560. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $137,950.
What city in Iowa pays education administrators the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for education administrators, with a median salary of $97,090. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.