Receptionist salary in Iowa
The median receptionist in Iowa earns $37,330 a year, or $17.95 an hour, in the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2025 survey. That is 2% below the national median of $38,010, and 27th of the 54 states and territories BLS publishes.
The middle half of Iowa’s 4,660 receptionists earn between $32,080 and $42,560. The highest paying metro area in the state is Dubuque, IA, at $38,830.
Liaison does the routine half of a receptionist’s job for 15% of what one costs in Iowa. See how.
Receptionist salary by city in Iowa
Every metro area in Iowa where BLS publishes a median for receptionists, highest first. A metro that crosses a state line appears under each of its states.
| Metro area | Median annual | Median hourly | Middle half earns | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubuque, IA | $38,830 | $18.67 | $32,790 to $42,340 | 200 |
| Iowa City, IA | $38,740 | $18.63 | $33,110 to $43,360 | 300 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $38,740 | $18.62 | $35,040 to $44,450 | 3,330 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $38,380 | $18.45 | $33,930 to $44,630 | 330 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $37,910 | $18.23 | $31,630 to $43,560 | 1,260 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $37,690 | $18.12 | $31,910 to $41,600 | 500 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $36,170 | $17.39 | $31,510 to $40,160 | 790 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $35,590 | $17.11 | $29,780 to $38,570 | 240 |
| Ames, IA | $35,170 | $16.91 | $29,320 to $42,240 | 170 |
What a receptionist costs an employer in Iowa
Wages are the start. At employers with fewer than 50 workers, benefits add 35% on top (BLS Employer Costs for Employee Compensation), so a receptionist at the Iowa median costs about $50,400 a year. The employer’s view for every state and metro is on what a receptionist costs, and the routine part of the job is what Liaison does inside the tools a business already runs.
The routine half of a receptionist’s job, for 15% of what one costs in Iowa.
- Answers the routine email and text enquiries in your voice, at any hour.
- Books, confirms and reschedules from your own calendar.
- Takes the message, logs it against the customer, and hands the ones that need a person to a person.
Professional is $629 a month, $7,548 a year, against about $50,400 a year for a receptionist at the Iowa median once benefits are added. On Professional we connect your tools, bring your data in and set up the first rules with you. Anything that moves money waits for your yes.
“Cut our month-end close from 4 days to 4 hours.” Marcus C., owner
$629 a month, or $500 a month on a 12-month term. Prefer to start on your own? Starter is $149 a month, self-serve, with a free trial first: 7 days, no card. More: AI office manager.
Questions
How much does a receptionist make in Iowa?
The median receptionist in Iowa earned $37,330 a year, or $17.95 an hour, in May 2025. The middle half earned between $32,080 and $42,560. Nationally the median is $38,010, so Iowa pays 2% less than the country as a whole.
Which cities in Iowa pay receptionists the most?
Dubuque, IA ($38,830), Iowa City, IA ($38,740) and Omaha, NE-IA ($38,740).
What does a receptionist cost an employer in Iowa?
Benefits at employers with fewer than 50 workers add 35% on top of wages, so a receptionist at the Iowa median costs about $50,400 a year. The employer’s view is at useliaison.com/back-office-costs/receptionist.
Receptionist salary in other states
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, occupation 43-4171. Annual figures assume 2,080 hours a year. Updated 2026-10-02.
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