Find a Job You Really Want In
Congratulations on your graduation! As you step into the professional world, you might be asking yourself, “What’s next?” For many, the immediate goal is clear: secure a job. Yet, with the evolving job landscape, it’s vital to find a role that not only suits your skills but also offers growth opportunities in today’s competitive market.
To help you navigate this journey, we’ve researched and compiled a list of the 10 best jobs for recent college graduates in Iowa. Here’s what you need to know:
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Insurance Sales Agents
- Computer Network Support Specialists
- Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
- Database Administrators
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- Industrial Engineers
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators
- Management Analysts
- Social and Human Service Assistants
You might be surprised to see roles like Computer Systems Analysts topping the list. But keep reading to learn how we curated this selection and why each position stands out, even for entry-level candidates.
Methodology for Identifying the Best Entry-Level Jobs in Iowa
We’ve engaged with a diverse group of recent graduates to understand their priorities when searching for their first job. Here’s what typically matters most:
- Job availability
- Location
- Salary
- Career growth potential
- Work-life balance
Thanks to comprehensive data from various sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics and state labor departments, we were able to quantify these factors. We developed a master database that includes detailed insights on numerous professions. Our analysis focused on the following criteria:
- Location quotient, indicating job prevalence in Iowa.
- Positions requiring a college degree.
- Average annual entry-level salary.
- Projected industry growth over the next decade.
By narrowing our dataset to jobs that require a bachelor’s degree, we identified 23 positions to evaluate. Each job was ranked based on the aforementioned criteria, and we calculated an overall “Job Score” to determine the highest-ranking opportunities.
Your Future Awaits
Graduating from college can be both intimidating and exhilarating. With countless opportunities ahead, you have the freedom to choose your path, whether that’s diving straight into the workforce or exploring the world first. Armed with this updated list, the Iowa job market is yours to explore!
Comprehensive Overview of the Best Entry-Level Jobs in Iowa for Recent Graduates
| Rank | Job | Growth % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computer Systems Analysts | 27.87% |
| 2 | Insurance Sales Agents | 21.37% |
| 3 | Computer Network Support Specialists | 13.25% |
| 4 | Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors | 19.55% |
| 5 | Database Administrators | 17.65% |
| 6 | Rehabilitation Counselors | 14.03% |
| 7 | Industrial Engineers | 5.79% |
| 8 | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 10.74% |
| 9 | Management Analysts | 18.7% |
| 10 | Social and Human Service Assistants | 15.16% |
| 11 | Cost Estimators | 12.98% |
| 12 | Web Developers | 32.29% |
| 13 | Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | 13.84% |
| 14 | Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians | 15.33% |
| 15 | Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products | 8.99% |
| 16 | Coaches and Scouts | 7.36% |
| 17 | Recreation Workers | 11.51% |
| 18 | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 10.24% |
| 19 | Human Resources Specialists | 6.38% |
| 20 | Advertising Sales Agents | 4.9% |
| 21 | Self-Enrichment Education Teachers | 13.74% |
| 22 | Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | 7.78% |
| 23 | Computer Programmers | -6.58% |
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.
