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2026 Salary Guide

Receptionist Salary in Iowa

How much do receptionists make in Iowa? The median salary is $33,580 per year ($16/hr). But the true cost to employers is $60,789—here's why.

$33,580
Median Salary
$16.25
Hourly Wage
4,760
Employed
-6%
vs National
$60,789
True Cost

Iowa Receptionist Salary Range

Salary varies by experience, industry, and location within Iowa.

10th Percentile (Entry)90th Percentile (Experienced)
$23,130$33,580$44,960

Percentile Breakdown

10th Percentile$23,130
25th Percentile$28,410
Median (50th)$33,580
75th Percentile$38,180
90th Percentile$44,960

Iowa vs National Average

Iowa Median$33,580
National Median$35,840
Difference-$2,260
Iowa Employment4,760
Cost of Living Index90 (100 = avg)

True Cost of Hiring in Iowa

Base salary is just 67% of what you'll actually pay. Here's the full breakdown.

Employer Cost Breakdown

Base Salary$33,580
Benefits (health, dental, 401k)$10,746
Payroll Taxes (FICA)$2,569
Workers Comp Insurance$403
Unemployment Insurance$940
Training & Development$2,500
Turnover Cost Allowance$7,052
Overhead (desk, equipment)$3,000
Total Annual Cost$60,789

$5,066/month for 40 hrs/week coverage

AI Alternative: SkipCalls

Annual Cost: $199/year

Save $60,690/year

24/7/365 Coverage

Not just 40 hours/week

Unlimited Simultaneous Calls

Never a busy signal

No Benefits, No Turnover

Zero hidden costs

Bilingual (English + Spanish)

Included at no extra charge

Your savings vs hiring in Iowa

$60,690/year

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average receptionist salary in Iowa?

The median receptionist salary in Iowa is $33,580 per year, or $16 per hour. This is $2,260 below the national average of $35,840.

How much does it really cost to hire a receptionist in Iowa?

The true cost of employing a receptionist in Iowa is approximately $60,789 per year. This includes base salary ($33,580), benefits ($10,746), payroll taxes, training, and turnover costs. That's $5,066 per month.

What factors affect receptionist salary in Iowa?

Receptionist salaries in Iowa vary based on experience level, industry, and location. Entry-level positions (10th percentile) pay around $23,130, while experienced receptionists (90th percentile) can earn up to $44,960. Industries like healthcare and legal typically pay higher than average.

Is AI receptionist a good alternative to hiring in Iowa?

Yes. An AI receptionist like SkipCalls costs $199/year per year—compared to $60,789 for a human receptionist in Iowa. That's a savings of $60,690 annually. AI handles calls 24/7, never takes sick days, and can manage multiple calls simultaneously.