Computer Programmer Salary in Iowa City
Writes, tests, and maintains code that runs software systems and applications.
Iowa City ranks #181 of 530 U.S. metro areas for computer programmer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $9,546 above the national average.
Iowa City vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $70,866 | $61,320 | +$9,546 | +15.6% |
| Level II | $84,282 | $78,293 | +$5,989 | +7.6% |
| Level III (Mid) | $97,718 | $95,267 | +$2,451 | +2.6% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $111,134 | $112,240 | $-1,106 | -1.0% |
Other metros in Iowa
| Metro Area | Level I | Level IV | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | $59,093 | $114,878 | $96,470 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $64,376 | $108,056 | $93,642 |
| Southwest Iowa | $59,800 | $109,824 | $93,309 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $64,376 | $97,739 | $86,715 |
| Ames | $61,797 | $96,096 | $84,781 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average computer programmer salary in Iowa City?
The average computer programmer salary in Iowa City is $97,843 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Iowa City at rank #181 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level computer programmers earn in Iowa City?
Entry-level computer programmers (Level I) in Iowa City earn $70,866 per year. Level II (early career) earns $84,282, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Iowa City compare to the national average for computer programmer salaries?
Iowa City ranks #181 of 530 U.S. metro areas for computer programmer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $9,546 above the national average. The national average computer programmer salary is $95,436, while Iowa City workers average $97,843 — a difference of +3% overall.
Data source: Salary data sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, which surveys employers nationwide to collect wage data by occupation and geography. The four experience levels reflect DOL standardized tiers. Data reflects the most recently published survey cycle. SOC code: 15-1251.