Technology Iowa (IA) Rank #40 of 50

Network Engineer Salary in Iowa

The median network engineer salary in Iowa is $79,120 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $92,000.

Median Salary
$79,120
vs National
$-12,880
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Network Engineer Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)

Iowa ranks #40 out of 50 states for network engineer compensation. Network Engineer salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $79,120 per year, network engineers in Iowa earn $12,880 less than the national median of $92,000.

A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $79,120 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $88,899 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Iowa is significant: network engineers at the 10th percentile earn $48,160, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $124,700 — a $76,540 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 $84,640.

Nationally, network engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for network engineers across the country.

Network Engineer Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level network engineer earns around $51,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,680 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,600
$-8,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,840
$-13,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,680
$-19,320 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $48,160
25th Percentile $63,640
Median (50th) $79,120
75th Percentile $101,480
90th Percentile $124,700

Network Engineer Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for network engineers 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 Network Engineer in Iowa

Education

Most network engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Iowa has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CiscoTCP/IPFirewallsVPNNetwork MonitoringCCNA/CCNP

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, network engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Network Engineer Salary in Iowa

How much does a Network Engineer make in Iowa? ▼
The median network engineer salary in Iowa is $79,120 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $92,000. Salaries range from $48,160 (10th percentile) to $124,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Network Engineer make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,120, a network engineer in Iowa earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for network engineers? ▼
Iowa ranks #40 out of 50 states for network engineer pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level network engineers earn $51,600, while senior professionals earn $118,680.
How does Iowa compare to other states for network engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for network engineers is Hawaii at $151,800. Iowa's median of $79,120 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($80,040) and South Carolina ($80,040).
What is the entry-level network engineer salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level network engineer in Iowa earns approximately $51,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $80,840. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $118,680.
What city in Iowa pays network engineers the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for network engineers, with a median salary of $84,640. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.