Salary & Cost of Living in Dubuque, IA
Dubuque, IA: $40,886 median salary, cost of living index 85.5, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$40,886
$20/hr
Cost of Living
85.5
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
2.6%
rate
Dubuque, IA Overview
Population
59,667
Median Salary
$40,886
Average Salary
$45,792
Avg Commute
21 min
Median Home Price
$175,000
Median Rent
$730/mo
Job Growth
+2.8%
Sales Tax
6%
Dubuque is located in Iowa with a population of 59,667. The median household salary is $40,886 per year ($20/hour), which is $18,498 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.8%.
Dubuque Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Dubuque, IA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$32,560
$2,713.32/month · $1,252.30/biweekly · Effective Rate: 20.4%
Gross Pay
$40,886
Federal Tax
-$2,868
State Tax
-$2,331
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,128
Net Pay
$32,560
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $3,407.17 | $40,886.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$238.98 | -$2,867.82 |
| Iowa State Tax (5.7%) | -$194.21 | -$2,330.50 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$211.24 | -$2,534.93 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$49.40 | -$592.85 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $2,713.32 | $32,559.90 |
Salary Comparison: Dubuque vs Other Cities
See how Dubuque's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubuque, IA | $40,886 | 85.5 | $47,820 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Corvallis, OR | $40,886 | 108.5 | $37,683 |
| Council Bluffs, IA | $40,890 | 85.2 | $47,993 |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $40,879 | 105.2 | $38,858 |
| Twin Falls, ID | $40,875 | 90.8 | $45,017 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Dubuque
Dubuque's cost of living index is 85.5 (national average = 100). Living in Dubuque is 14.5% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$175,000
Median Monthly Rent
$730
Annual Rent Cost
$8,760
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $32,560 annual take-home pay in Dubuque has the purchasing power of approximately $38,082 in an average-cost US area. Your $40,886 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Dubuque
Dubuque's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $40,886.
Salary Tips for Dubuque Workers
- Your salary goes further here. Dubuque has a cost of living 14.5% below the national average. A salary of $40,886 here has the purchasing power of about $47,820 in an average-cost area.
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.7% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Dubuque's top industries include Agriculture, Manufacturing, Insurance. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $40,886 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Dubuque, IA?
The median salary in Dubuque, IA is $40,886 per year, or $20 per hour. The average salary is $45,792. This is $18,498 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Dubuque, IA?
Dubuque's cost of living index is 85.5 (national average = 100), meaning it is 14.5% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $175,000 and the median monthly rent is $730.
What are the best industries in Dubuque?
The top industries in Dubuque, IA include Agriculture, Manufacturing, Insurance. The city has a job growth rate of 2.8% and an unemployment rate of 2.6%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $40,886.
How does Dubuque's salary compare to other cities?
Dubuque's median salary of $40,886 is 31.1% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 85.5), the real purchasing power is approximately $47,820.
What is the minimum wage in Dubuque, IA?
The minimum wage in Dubuque, IA is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.