Find a Job You Really Want In
When we think of Iowa, we often envision its beautiful landscapes, outdoor activities, and delicious home-cooked meals. However, Iowa is also home to a robust economy and a job market that continues to thrive.
At Zippia, we analyze local economies to identify which industries are flourishing. This knowledge is essential for job seekers and those considering relocating to Iowa for work.
In this article, we highlight the best industries for jobs in Iowa as of 2026.
After examining all the available data, here are the five top industries for jobs in Iowa:
Read on to discover how we determined which industries stand out in Iowa’s job market.
If you’re interested in more about the Iowa job landscape, check these out:
- The 10 Best Small Companies to Work for in Davenport
- The 10 Best Cities in Iowa for Jobs in 2026
- The 100 Lowest Paying Jobs in Iowa
How We Determined the Best Industries in Iowa
We believe that data is a reliable indicator of job market trends. Thus, we set out to gather extensive data on the Iowa job market.
To identify the best industries, we evaluated the following criteria:
- Average Salary
- Job Availability
- Average Stress Level in the Industry
Data sources include the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor. The stress level is an index based on self-reported statistics from individuals in various industries. We ranked each industry on a scale from 1 to 22, with 1 being the best.
Ultimately, we averaged these rankings to create a ‘Best Industry’ index, with Management emerging as the top industry in Iowa.
For detailed data, see the table at the end of this post. Now, let’s delve into why these industries excel in Iowa.
Detailed List of the Best Industries in Iowa
| Rank | Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Management | $93,290 |
| 2 | Education, Training, and Library | $51,040 |
| 3 | Production and Manufacturing | $35,490 |
| 4 | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $71,400 |
| 5 | Architecture and Engineering | $69,440 |
| 6 | Computer and Mathematical | $74,630 |
| 7 | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $44,430 |
| 8 | Business and Financial Operations | $63,610 |
| 9 | Transportation | $35,180 |
| 10 | Legal | $76,390 |
| 11 | Construction and Extraction | $44,240 |
| 12 | Office and Administrative Support | $35,010 |
| 13 | Community and Social Service | $42,650 |
| 14 | Life, Physical, and Social Science | $60,340 |
| 15 | Personal Care and Service | $25,070 |
| 16 | Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $33,870 |
| 17 | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $38,760 |
| 18 | Sales | $35,150 |
| 19 | Healthcare Support | $30,260 |
| 20 | Food Preparation and Serving Related | $21,120 |
| 21 | Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $26,680 |
| 22 | Protective Service | $42,740 |
Conclusion: The Best Industries in Iowa
In summary, Management continues to be the leading industry for job seekers in Iowa as of 2026.
Conversely, the Protective Service Industry ranks lowest, primarily due to limited job availability and lower wages.
For further reading, explore:
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
