Iowa Paycheck Calculator
Calculate your take-home pay in Iowa. See how federal tax, IA state tax (Flat 3.8%), Social Security, and Medicare affect your paycheck. Free, instant, private.
Iowa paycheck quick answer
Iowa now uses a flat 3.8% income tax rate for 2026. Salario combines that state estimate with federal income tax and FICA, making the page useful for salary, hourly, biweekly, and monthly paycheck comparisons.
IA income tax
3.8%
2026 flat rate
Prior system
Graduated
Flat-rate transition complete
Best use
Pay-period planning
Federal + Iowa + FICA
Iowa Paycheck Calculator
Your Take-Home Pay Per Paycheck
$2,014.47
Bi-Weekly (26) · $52,376/year · Effective Rate: 20.1%
Gross Pay
$65,573
$2,522.04/check
Federal Tax
-$5,689
8.7% eff.
IA State Tax
-$2,492
3.8% eff.
FICA
-$5,016
SS + Medicare
Net Take-Home
$52,376
79.9% kept
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Per Paycheck | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Pay | $2,522.04 | $65,573.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$218.80 | -$5,688.76 |
| Iowa State Tax | -$95.84 | -$2,491.77 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$156.37 | -$4,065.53 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$36.57 | -$950.81 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $2,014.47 | $52,376.13 |
2026 Iowa Paycheck Examples
Use these single-filer examples to sanity-check the calculator before changing inputs. They use 26 biweekly paychecks, the 2026 federal standard deduction, Social Security up to the $184,500 wage base, Medicare, and the IA state model shown on this page.
| Scenario | Gross Salary | Biweekly Take-Home | IA Tax | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 salary | $50,000 | $1,555.96 | $1,900.00 | 19.1% |
| Iowa median | $65,573 | $2,014.47 | $2,491.77 | 20.1% |
| $100,000 salary | $100,000 | $2,899.23 | $3,800.00 | 24.6% |
| $150,000 salary | $150,000 | $4,157.35 | $5,700.00 | 27.9% |
Model note: Iowa uses Flat 3.8% in this fast paycheck model. Benefits, pre-tax retirement, health insurance, local wage taxes, and exact withholding elections can change the real paycheck.
Iowa Income Tax Overview
Iowa has been rapidly reducing its income tax and moved to a flat rate of 3.8% in 2026, down from a graduated system that topped at 8.53% in 2022. This dramatic reduction makes Iowa increasingly competitive for workers. Iowa has a low cost of living at 90% of the national average, with affordable housing and a strong agricultural economy supplemented by insurance, finance, and manufacturing sectors.
Iowa Tax Details
Iowa transitioned to a flat 3.8% income tax in 2026, completing a multi-year phase-in from a graduated system. Previously had 4 brackets in 2025 (4.4% to 5.7%). Iowa no longer taxes retirement income for those 55+. Standard deduction is $2,210 (single) or $5,450 (married). Iowa decoupled from federal itemized deductions.
State Tax Rate
3.8%
Median Income
$65,573
Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr
Cost of Living
90%
How the Iowa Paycheck Calculator Works
This calculator estimates your take-home pay in Iowa by deducting federal income tax, Iowa state income tax (Flat 3.8%), Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500), and Medicare (1.45% plus 0.9% surtax on high earners).
Start with Gross Salary
Your total annual compensation before any deductions.
Apply Standard Deduction
$16,100 for single filers (2026).
Calculate Federal Tax
Using 2026 marginal tax brackets: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, 37%.
Add IA State Tax
Iowa taxes at Flat 3.8%. We use 3.8% as the calculator estimate.
Deduct FICA Taxes
Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500) + Medicare (1.45% on all income).
Note: This calculator provides estimates. Actual take-home pay may vary based on pre-tax deductions (401k, health insurance), local taxes, and other withholding adjustments.
Iowa Cost of Living
Iowa's cost of living index is 90 (national average = 100). This means living in Iowa is 10% less expensive than the national average. A salary of $65,573 in Iowa has the equivalent purchasing power of about $72,859 in an average-cost area.
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $52,376 annual take-home pay in Iowa has the purchasing power of approximately $58,196 in an average-cost area.
Iowa Minimum Wage
The minimum wage in Iowa is $7.25 per hour as of 2026. This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour. A full-time minimum wage worker in Iowa (40 hours/week) earns approximately $15,080 per year before taxes.
Hourly
$7.25
Weekly (40h)
$290
Monthly
$1,257
Annual
$15,080
Compare Iowa to Nearby States
See how Iowa's tax rates and cost of living compare to neighboring states.
Tips to Maximize Your Take-Home Pay in Iowa
- Maximize pre-tax contributions to your 401(k) or 403(b). In 2026, you can contribute up to $24,500 ($31,000 if over 50), reducing your taxable income and both federal and state taxes.
- Use an HSA if you have a high-deductible health plan. HSA contributions ($4,400 individual, $8,750 family in 2026) are pre-tax and reduce your paycheck deductions.
- Use a Dependent Care FSA if you have childcare expenses. You can set aside up to $5,000 pre-tax to pay for daycare or after-school care.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly get large tax refunds, you are giving the IRS an interest-free loan. Adjust your W-4 to keep more money in each paycheck throughout the year.
Explore All 50 State Paycheck Calculators
Compare take-home pay across all US states. Find out which states offer the best after-tax income for your salary level.
View All StatesRelated Salary Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
How much tax do I pay in Iowa?
In Iowa, you pay both federal and state income taxes plus FICA. The state income tax rate is Flat 3.8%. On a $65,573 salary filing single, your combined effective tax rate would be approximately 20.4%.
What is the minimum wage in Iowa?
The minimum wage in Iowa is $7.25 per hour as of 2026. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year). The federal minimum wage is $7.25/hour, and Iowa follows the federal minimum wage.
What is the cost of living in Iowa?
Iowa's cost of living index is 90, meaning it is 10% less expensive the national average. The median household income is $65,573. The lower cost of living means your paycheck has more purchasing power compared to many other states.
How does Iowa's income tax compare to other states?
Iowa's income tax structure is Flat 3.8%. This is a relatively low income tax rate compared to many states. For comparison, nine states have no income tax at all, while California has the highest top rate at 13.3%.