Paramedic in Iowa: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Public safety

Iowa employs 1,170 paramedics, with a statewide median of $60,590 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Iowa licensing picture, and where to train.

What Paramedics Earn in Iowa (May 2025)

Iowa median pay: $60,590 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $47,750
Experienced (75th percentile): $65,470
Top earners (90th percentile): $78,140
Employed in Iowa: 1,170
U.S. median (for comparison): $58,410 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for paramedics in major Iowa markets:

Iowa City: $66,090 (150 employed)
Waterloo: $62,350 (40 employed)
Des Moines: $61,980 (190 employed)
Omaha: $56,130 (210 employed)
Cedar Rapids: $55,130 (90 employed)
Davenport: $51,660 (130 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Iowa

Prices in Iowa run about 12% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $60,590 median stretches to roughly $69,009 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Iowa (2024–2034)

Iowa is projected to grow paramedics employment +8.5%, faster than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 60 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Iowa License and Certification Requirements

Paramedic certification — regulated by the Iowa Dept. of Health & Human Services — Bureau of EMS.

First earn your EMT certification.
Complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program (1–2 years with field and hospital rotations).
Pass the NREMT-Paramedic exam and obtain Iowa paramedic certification through the Bureau of EMS.

Official requirements: Iowa Dept. of Health & Human Services — Bureau of EMS →

Training in Iowa

Paramedic is the pay/scope step up from EMT. Ambulance services, hospitals, and fire departments hire steadily.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Iowa include:

Allen College — Certificate / Associate
Des Moines Area Community College — Certificate / Associate
Eastern Iowa Community College District — Certificate / Associate
Hawkeye Community College — Certificate / Associate

Where Paramedics Work in Iowa

Real Iowa EMS agencies that employ paramedics include:

Ackley Volunteer Ambulance Service — Ackley
Dallas County Emergency Medical Services — Adel
Siouxland Paramedics - Akron Station — Akron
Buena Vista County Ambulance - Albert City — Albert City
Albion First Responders — Albion
Algona Ambulance Service — Algona

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: Calm, service-oriented people who can handle urgent, unpredictable work.

Think twice if: You need routine hours, low stress, or low physical demand.

Why it's resilient: Emergency response depends on physical presence, judgment under pressure, patient care, and local systems.

First Steps

Start with EMT training, then compare paramedic programs and local EMS employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do paramedics make in Iowa?

The median wage for paramedics in Iowa is $60,590 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,750, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $78,140. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Paramedic in Iowa?

Paramedic certification, overseen by the Iowa Dept. of Health & Human Services — Bureau of EMS. First earn your EMT certification.

Is being a Paramedic a good career in Iowa?

Emergency response depends on physical presence, judgment under pressure, patient care, and local systems.

Which Iowa metros pay paramedics the most?

Among Iowa metro areas, Iowa City leads at $66,090, followed by Waterloo ($62,350), Des Moines ($61,980). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Paramedic in Iowa?

Real Iowa options include Allen College, Des Moines Area Community College, Eastern Iowa Community College District. Most paramedics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Paramedic a growing career in Iowa?

Iowa projects paramedics employment to change +8.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 60 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Iowa statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2043. Licensing summary compiled from the Iowa Dept. of Health & Human Services — Bureau of EMS (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Iowa wages · Iowa licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.