State guide · police pay scales
Iowa police payStarting and top-step pay by department
At Iowa State Patrol, starting base pay is $71,406 and top-step pay is $81,037, from official pay schedules.
Starting pay: $71,406 (one department, 1 department). Top step: $81,037 (one department, 1 department).
Iowa departments compared
Select a column heading to sort. Base pay only; overtime and incentives are extra. Scroll the table sideways on small screens.
| Iowa State Patrol | State police | $71,406 | $81,037 | 5 | FY 2027 |
|---|
Iowa: starting vs top-step pay
View chart data
| Department | Start | Top step |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa State Patrol | $71,406 | $81,037 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do police officers make in Iowa?
At Iowa State Patrol, starting base pay is $71,406 and top-step pay is $81,037, from official pay schedules. Overtime, longevity and incentive pay are extra.
What does the federal wage survey say about Iowa police pay?
The BLS May 2025 survey puts the median annual wage for all police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Iowa at $74,470. That estimate covers every agency and experience level, so it differs from department pay schedules.
Sources and last checked
- Iowa Department of Public Safety careers: Trooper 2 Salary Information · Iowa State Patrol
- BLS OEWS: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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