Business & Finance Iowa (IA) Rank #39 of 50

Insurance Agent Salary in Iowa

The median insurance agent salary in Iowa is $51,495 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $57,860.

Median Salary
$51,495
vs National
$-6,365
State Rank
#39 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Insurance Agent Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)

Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for insurance agent compensation. Insurance Agent salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $51,495 per year, insurance agents in Iowa earn $6,365 less than the national median of $57,860.

A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $51,495 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $57,860 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Iowa is significant: insurance agents at the 10th percentile earn $26,700, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $105,020 — a $78,320 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 $54,967.

Nationally, insurance agent employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for insurance agents across the country.

Insurance Agent Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level insurance agent earns around $28,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,900 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,480
$-3,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,400
$-6,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$97,900
$-12,100 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $26,700
25th Percentile $35,600
Median (50th) $51,495
75th Percentile $72,980
90th Percentile $105,020

Insurance Agent Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for insurance agents 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 Insurance Agent in Iowa

Education

Most insurance agent positions require a high school diploma. Iowa has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SalesInsurance ProductsClient RelationsRisk AssessmentCommunicationCRM

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, insurance agent employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Insurance Agent Salary in Iowa

How much does a Insurance Agent make in Iowa? ▼
The median insurance agent salary in Iowa is $51,495 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $57,860. Salaries range from $26,700 (10th percentile) to $105,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Insurance Agent make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,495, a insurance agent in Iowa earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for insurance agents? ▼
Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for insurance agent pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level insurance agents earn $28,480, while senior professionals earn $97,900.
How does Iowa compare to other states for insurance agent salary? ▼
The highest paying state for insurance agents is Hawaii at $98,362. Iowa's median of $51,495 ranks #39 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($52,074) and Ohio ($52,074).
What is the entry-level insurance agent salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level insurance agent in Iowa earns approximately $28,480 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $53,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $97,900.
What city in Iowa pays insurance agents the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for insurance agents, with a median salary of $54,967. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.