Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in Iowa
Official Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024 - IA
Median Annual Salary in Iowa
$53,280
$25.62 / hour
▼ 10.0% below national avg
National Median
$59,200
$28.46 / hour nationally
COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$58,873
Missouri equivalent (COL: 90.5)
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (Entry Level) | $28,238 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,362 |
| 50th (Median) | $53,280 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,526 |
| 90th (Top Earners) | $91,642 |
| Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | |
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Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
The Iowa median salary of $53,280 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants has the purchasing power of approximately $58,873 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).
Iowa's lower cost of living (COL index: 90.5) means your salary goes further than in higher-cost states.
COL data: MERIC 2024 State Cost of Living Index. Missouri = 100 baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Paralegals and Legal Assistants make in Iowa?
Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Iowa earn a median annual salary of $53,280 per year ($25.62/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is below the national median of $59,200.
Is Iowa a good state for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Iowa pays slightly below the national average for paralegals and legal assistants. Cost of living in Iowa is lower average (COL index: 90.5).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Iowa?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 90.5 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $53,280 salary in Iowa has the purchasing power of approximately $58,873 in Missouri. Lower living costs in Iowa increase real purchasing power.
How does Iowa compare to neighboring states for Paralegals and Legal Assistants salaries?
For detailed comparison across all states, see the full Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary page at the national level, which includes a complete 50-state salary table.
Top Paying Jobs in Iowa
| # | Job Title | Median Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anesthesiologists | $298,980 |
| 2 | Radiologists | $278,928 |
| 3 | Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | $275,598 |
| 4 | Neurologists | $266,040 |
| 5 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $244,692 |
| 6 | Psychiatrists | $224,818 |
| 7 | Physicians, Pathologists | $219,528 |
| 8 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | $219,006 |
| Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 | ||
About Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Iowa
Paralegals and Legal Assistants work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the legal sector of the U.S. economy.
Education Required: Doctoral or professional degree