Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Pay in Iowa, all employers Sourced
Paramedics (SOC 29-2043) in Iowa, all employers combined: BLS state estimates do not separate government from private.
| Measure | IA |
|---|---|
| Workers | 1,170 |
| 10th percentile | $47,750 |
| Median | $60,590 |
| 90th percentile | $78,140 |
| National median, government employers | $61,780 |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Pension in Iowa
Local employees
| Plan | Accrual | Normal retirement | Employee pays | Social Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPERS Regular Membership Regular member (post-July 1, 2012 rules) | 2% | age 65 (vested) | 6.29% | Covered |
The statewide plan a new hire usually joins. Some cities and counties run their own plans; check with the employer. Each plan's formula, vesting, cost-of-living adjustment and retiree health are on the Iowa pension plans list.
Source: State retirement systems, Official state retirement system pages, member handbooks and statutes. Data captured October 2, 2026.
Free practice tests for Iowa
NREMT Paramedic Certification ExaminationPractice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep
Source: Open Exam Prep, Open Exam Prep free practice tests. Data captured October 1, 2026. Each link was opened and its exam title checked on the date shown.
More about this job
Requirements, hiring process, training, schedule and day-to-day work are on the national Paramedic (public EMS) page.
Paramedic (public EMS) in other states
More government jobs in Iowa
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