Iowa Job Market: Top Industries, Salaries & Employers (2026)
Guide to the Iowa job market in 2026. Agriculture, insurance, manufacturing, and renewable energy across Des Moines and beyond.
Iowa's economy combines agricultural powerhouse status with a surprisingly strong insurance and financial services sector centered in Des Moines. The state leads nationally in wind energy production and offers exceptional quality of life with very low unemployment.
Top Industries
- Agriculture & Food Processing: Iowa is #1 in corn, soybeans, pork, and egg production. Agriculture contributes $112B annually. Major processors include Tyson Foods, JBS, and Cargill. 150,000+ ag-related workers.
- Insurance & Financial Services: Des Moines is the insurance capital of the Midwest. Principal Financial Group (HQ), EMC Insurance, Nationwide, and Wellmark BCBS. 60,000+ insurance/finance workers. Average salary: $72,000.
- Manufacturing: John Deere (Waterloo/Dubuque), Pella Corporation, and Vermeer. 220,000+ manufacturing workers. Advanced manufacturing is growing around precision agriculture equipment.
- Healthcare: UnityPoint Health, MercyOne, and University of Iowa Hospitals. 190,000+ healthcare workers statewide.
- Renewable Energy: Iowa generates 60%+ of electricity from wind — #1 nationally by percentage. 9,000+ wind energy jobs. Growing solar and biofuel sectors.
Major Employers
| Employer | Industry | Approx. IA Employees |
|---|---|---|
| UnityPoint Health | Healthcare | 22,000+ |
| State of Iowa | Government | 25,000+ |
| University of Iowa | Education | 18,000+ |
| John Deere | Manufacturing | 15,000+ |
| Principal Financial | Finance | 10,000+ |
| Hy-Vee | Retail/Grocery | 28,000+ |
| MercyOne | Healthcare | 15,000+ |
Average Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Avg Salary | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $55,870 | 90 |
| Cedar Rapids | $51,340 | 86 |
| Iowa City | $50,730 | 95 |
| Davenport (Quad Cities) | $49,240 | 84 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $47,860 | 82 |
Growing Sectors
- Data Centers: Meta, Microsoft, and Google are building data centers in Iowa, attracted by cheap wind energy and land. 3,000+ construction and operations jobs.
- AgTech: Precision agriculture, AI-driven farming, and biotech are growing around ISU research. Startups combine Iowa's ag expertise with modern technology.
- Biofuels: Iowa is #1 in ethanol production. Growing renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel sectors.
Remote Work Availability
Des Moines has been named one of the best cities for remote workers due to extremely affordable housing (median home $210,000), reliable internet, and quality of life. Principal Financial and other insurers offer hybrid arrangements.
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in Iowa?
$7.25/hour (federal floor). Tight labor market means most employers pay $12-15+ entry level. Des Moines financial sector starts at $16-20+.