Iowa's average paralegal salary of $58,780 sits below every neighboring state in the comparison set, ranging from Wisconsin at $61,270 up to Minnesota at $73,960. That gap means Iowa employers generally face lower base compensation costs, but candidates who have explored out-of-state opportunities may push back on offers anchored to the Iowa average. Factor in the full compensation package when competing for experienced talent who could relocate.
Paralegal salary in Iowa (2026)
The average paralegal salary in Iowa is $58,780 per year. A small pool of high earners at the top of the market pulls that average upward, so the median of $54,550 gives you a more reliable starting point for most hiring decisions. Iowa employs 2,980 paralegals, and the $4,230 gap between the mean and median reflects real variation in the candidate pool you will be evaluating. Junior paralegals in Iowa typically earn around $37,900, while senior specialists reach and exceed the $83,520 level at the 90th percentile. Plan for a range rather than a single number when budgeting for a paralegal hire in Iowa, and anchor that range to the seniority and specialization of the role you are filling.
Metric / Value
Metric | Value |
Median Annual Salary | $54,550 |
Average Annual Salary | $58,780 |
vs. National Average | 15.7% below the national mean of $69,700 |
Data comes from the BLS OEWS and covers 2,980 employed paralegals across Iowa.
See how Rippling handles payroll, benefits, and onboarding for your next paralegal hire.
Paralegal salary percentiles in Iowa
Percentile | Annual Salary |
10th Percentile | $37,900 |
25th Percentile | $47,820 |
75th Percentile | $66,560 |
90th Percentile | $83,520 |
When setting an offer for a paralegal in Iowa, the $47,820 to $66,560 band covering the 25th through 75th percentiles represents the range where most candidates will have realistic expectations. Senior or specialized hires can push compensation toward $83,520 or beyond, so build flexibility into your budget if the role demands deep experience.
Paralegal salary by city in Iowa
City | Average Annual Salary |
Iowa City | $69,770 |
Des Moines | $62,280 |
Davenport | $58,240 |
Sioux City | $57,120 |
Cedar Rapids | $56,440 |
Location meaningfully affects what you will need to offer a paralegal in Iowa, so your city of hire should anchor your compensation range. Iowa City commands the highest average at $69,770, which is $13,330 more than Cedar Rapids at $56,440. If you are hiring in a smaller market, you may have more budget flexibility, but candidates with Iowa City or Des Moines experience will likely carry higher salary expectations.
How Iowa compares to other states
State | Average Annual Salary | Median Annual Salary |
Iowa | $58,780 | $54,550 |
Minnesota | $73,960 | $75,570 |
Illinois | $72,310 | $63,670 |
Missouri | $64,380 | $61,410 |
Nebraska | $63,480 | $63,250 |
Wisconsin | $61,270 | $58,500 |
Iowa is a cost-effective market for paralegal hiring relative to most of its neighbors, which gives employers here a real budget advantage. Every comparison state carries a higher average salary, with Minnesota at $73,960 and Illinois at $72,310 sitting well above Iowa's $58,780 mean. If you are competing for candidates who have considered roles in those markets, be prepared to address the compensation gap with other elements of your offer.
Frequently asked questions about paralegal salary in Iowa
How does Iowa compare to other states for paralegal salary?
What do the top-earning paralegals make in Iowa?
Paralegals at the 90th percentile in Iowa earn $83,520 per year. That figure represents the threshold that senior specialists in the state typically reach or exceed, so roles requiring deep expertise or niche practice area knowledge should be budgeted accordingly. Use $66,560, the 75th percentile, as a realistic ceiling for most mid-career hires.
What is the salary range for a paralegal in Iowa?
The full salary range for paralegals in Iowa runs from $37,900 at the 10th percentile to $83,520 at the 90th percentile. For most hiring decisions, the more actionable range sits between $47,820 at the 25th percentile and $66,560 at the 75th percentile, where the majority of candidates will have grounded expectations. Anchor your offer within that band and adjust up or down based on the seniority and specialization of the specific role.
What is the average paralegal salary in Iowa?
The average paralegal salary in Iowa is $58,780 per year, with a median of $54,550. The median is the more useful figure for most hiring decisions because a smaller group of higher-compensated roles pulls the average above what a typical candidate will expect. Start your offer range near the median and build upward based on experience and practice area.
Paralegal salary by state
Data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2025, SOC code 23-2011 (Paralegals and Legal Assistants).
Disclaimer
Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.
Author
The Rippling Team
Global HR, IT, and Finance know-how directly from the Rippling team.
Hubs
See Rippling in action
Increase savings, automate busy work, and make better decisions by managing HR, IT, and Finance in one place.