Average Software Developers Salary in Iowa City, IA
Software Developers in Iowa City, IA, can expect an average annual salary of $108,430. This figure is notably below the national average of $145,320, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the Iowa City tech landscape. While the nominal salary is lower, understanding the local market's nuances is key to assessing its true value.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $108,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $166,930.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 750 Software Developers, Iowa City presents a moderately sized, yet established, talent pool. The Location Quotient of 0.76 suggests that while the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, there is still a consistent presence and demand for their skills within the region, indicating a stable job market.
Salary Overview
The average Software Developers in Iowa City, IA earns-25.4%below the national average.
$52.1
$2,085
$9,036
Software Developers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Iowa City is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the Software Developer salary landscape has experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Technological advancements and increasing reliance on digital solutions typically drive up demand and compensation for skilled developers, suggesting a positive trajectory for earnings in this field.
Software Developers Salary Distribution in Iowa City, IA
The salary progression for Software Developers in Iowa City, like elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while senior developers with specialized skills and a proven track record can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps between junior, mid-level, and senior roles represent clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the local market.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $69,980 | $33.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $81,323 | $39.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $104,950 | $50.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $135,538 | $65.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $166,930 | $80.3 |
Detailed Software Developers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$108,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$108,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average Software Developer salary of $108,430 in Iowa City aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a developer's salary in Iowa City is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation without the premium often associated with higher-cost metropolitan areas.
Job Market Context
750
Total Jobs
8.133
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Iowa City, IA has 0.76x the national average concentration of Software Developers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.76 indicates that Software Developers are slightly less concentrated in Iowa City compared to the national average. This suggests a job market that is neither oversaturated nor critically scarce, implying a balanced environment where skilled professionals can find opportunities without facing extreme competition, while employers can access a reasonable pool of talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Developers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Software Developers Salary | $116,360↑ 7% | 23 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Software Developers Salary | $113,960↑ 5% | 48 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Software Developers Salary | $110,890↑ 2% | 72 mi |
| Dubuque, IA Software Developers Salary | $109,920↑ 1% | 72 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Software Developers Salary | $104,440↓ 4% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Iowa City, IA
Hiring Software Developerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Developers make in Iowa City, IA?
The median annual salary for a Software Developers in Iowa City, IA is $108,430. This typically ranges from $69,980 for entry-level positions to $166,930 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa City, IA is 25.4% lower than the national median of $145,320.
Is Iowa City, IA a lucrative place for Software Developers?
No, not compared to the national average.While the average salary of $108,430 is substantial, it falls significantly short of the national average of $145,320. However, the cost of living being at the national average offsets this difference somewhat.
Is Iowa City, IA a good place to live for Software Developers?
The Cost of Living Index in Iowa City, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa City, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($116,360) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.
How does the number of Software Developers in Iowa City compare nationally?
Iowa City has a local workforce of 750 Software Developers, which represents a concentration slightly below the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.76.
What is the cost of living for Software Developers in Iowa City?
The cost of living in Iowa City is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100, meaning that a developer's salary here has the same purchasing power as the national average.
Are there many job openings for Software Developers in Iowa City?
With 8.133 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a steady presence of Software Developer roles in Iowa City, suggesting consistent demand within the local economy.
How much more can a senior Software Developer earn in Iowa City?
While specific figures vary, senior Software Developers typically earn considerably more than entry-level or mid-level professionals, with salary increases often reflecting years of experience and specialized skill sets.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 750 employees in the Iowa City, IA area with a job density of 8.133 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Software Developers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Iowa City, IA