Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Unemployment rate
1990–2024BLS state series.
Employment
Iowa's unemployment rate stood at 3.4% in 2024, per BLS data.
Total nonfarm payroll jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED IANA).
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 3.4 | 4.1 |
- •Employment trends in Iowa are closely tied to its agriculture and food processing sector.
Unemployment
Iowa's unemployment rate was 3.4% in 2024, compared with 4.1% nationally.
Unemployment rate
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average of seasonally adjusted months (FRED IAUR).
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 3.4 | 4.1 |
- •Unemployment in Iowa has generally stayed close to national trends since 2022.
Labor Force
Iowa's labor force participation rate was 66.9% in 2024, compared with 62.5% nationally.
Civilian labor force
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average (FRED IALF).
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Force Participation | 66.9 | 62.5 |
- •Labor force participation in Iowa reflects demographic and economic conditions unique to the state.
Occupations
The agriculture and food processing sector employs a large share of Iowa's workforce, with an average annual salary of $56,600.
Workers in management, business, science and arts occupations
2008–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian employed 16+, C24010 (2020 not released).
- •Iowa's occupational mix has shifted over the past decade toward services and professional fields.
Salaries
The average annual salary in Iowa was approximately $56,600 in 2023, per BLS data.
Average weekly earnings, private sector
2007–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SMU19000000500000011).
Average hourly earnings, private sector
2007–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SMU19000000500000003).
- •Salary levels in Iowa vary considerably by industry and metro area.
Remote Work
About 13.1% of Iowa workers work primarily from home, close to the national average.
Workers who work from home
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, share of workers 16+, B08301 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Work from home (%) | 13.1 | 13.8 |
Workforce Participation
Iowa's workforce participation rate reached 66.9% in 2024, per BLS estimates.
Labor force participation rate
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average (FRED LBSSA19).
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Force Participation | 66.9 | 62.5 |
- •Workforce participation rates in Iowa can differ notably by age group and region.