Healthcare Iowa (IA) Rank #40 of 50

Emergency Medicine Physician Salary in Iowa

The median emergency medicine physician salary in Iowa is $275,900 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $310,000.

Median Salary
$275,900
vs National
$-34,100
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Emergency Medicine Physician Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)

Iowa ranks #40 out of 50 states for emergency medicine physician compensation. Emergency Medicine Physician salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $275,900 per year, emergency medicine physicians in Iowa earn $34,100 less than the national median of $310,000.

A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $275,900 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $310,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Iowa is significant: emergency medicine physicians at the 10th percentile earn $160,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $422,750 — a $262,550 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 $294,500.

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

Emergency Medicine Physician Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level emergency medicine physician earns around $164,650, while experienced professionals earn up to $409,400 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$164,650
$-20,350 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$280,350
$-34,650 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$409,400
$-50,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $160,200
25th Percentile $213,600
Median (50th) $275,900
75th Percentile $356,000
90th Percentile $422,750

Emergency Medicine Physician Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for emergency medicine physicians 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 Emergency Medicine Physician in Iowa

Education

Most emergency medicine physician positions require a doctoral degree. Iowa has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Emergency MedicineTrauma CareTriageCritical CareProceduresDecision Making

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, emergency medicine physician 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: Emergency Medicine Physician Salary in Iowa

How much does a Emergency Medicine Physician make in Iowa? ▼
The median emergency medicine physician salary in Iowa is $275,900 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $310,000. Salaries range from $160,200 (10th percentile) to $422,750 (90th percentile).
How much does a Emergency Medicine Physician make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $275,900, a emergency medicine physician in Iowa earns approximately $133 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for emergency medicine physicians? ▼
Iowa ranks #40 out of 50 states for emergency medicine physician pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level emergency medicine physicians earn $164,650, while senior professionals earn $409,400.
How does Iowa compare to other states for emergency medicine physician salary? ▼
The highest paying state for emergency medicine physicians is Hawaii at $551,800. Iowa's median of $275,900 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($279,000) and Wyoming ($279,000).
What is the entry-level emergency medicine physician salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level emergency medicine physician in Iowa earns approximately $164,650 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $280,350. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $409,400.
What city in Iowa pays emergency medicine physicians the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for emergency medicine physicians, with a median salary of $294,500. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.