CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by IA Board of Public Safety

Corrections Officer Licensing in Iowa

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for corrections officer in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Corrections Officer in Iowa

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Tied to business.

  6. 6

    License to act as a mortgage banker or mortgage broker.

Exam and processing details

  • Both state and third-party exams required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Iowa Department of Commerce, Iowa Division of Banking • Iowa Department of Commerce, Iowa Division of Banking

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $51,420 median (11% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #30 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Corrections Officer licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Iowa Department of Commerce, Iowa Division of Banking~Iowa Department of Commerce, Iowa Division of Banking and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Iowa

With a median salary of $51,420, Corrections Officers in Iowa earn 11% below the national median of $57,970. Iowa ranks #30 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,154

Median annual salary

$51,420

Hourly estimate

$24.72
11% below national median

Difference: -$6,550

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$44,530
  • P2525th percentile$47,940
  • P50Median$51,420
  • P7575th percentile$61,310
  • P9090th percentile$66,000

State vs National Median

State: $51,420
National: $57,970

Total employment: 3,210 | Annual openings: N/A

Corrections Officer Salary Ranking

#30 of 50 statesfor Corrections Officer median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$95,840
#2New Jersey$90,150
#3Oregon$83,120
#4Massachusetts$78,830
#5Illinois$78,750

Nearby States Comparison

Corrections Officer licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Iowa$51,420Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$64,670Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$74,490Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Illinois$78,750Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$41,310Degree requiredState exam required21 years
Nebraska$62,680Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$52,310Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Iowa50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Illinois50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Missouri62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Iowa Department of Commerce, Iowa Division of Banking • Iowa Department of Commerce, Iowa Division of Banking

200 East Grand Avenue, Suite 300, Des Moines, IA, 50309

Phone: 5152814014

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Iowa

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Firefighter$55,190Specific course requiredVaries by board
Police Officer$73,900Specific course requiredVaries by board
Security Guards$37,380Specific course requiredVaries by board
Acupuncturist$78,140Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Corrections Officer in Iowa?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Corrections Officers in Iowa?

Iowa lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Corrections Officers.

What education do you need to become a Corrections Officer in Iowa?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Corrections Officer licensure in Iowa.

What is the typical Corrections Officer salary in Iowa?

The median annual salary for Corrections Officers in Iowa is $51,420. Salaries range from $44,530 (10th percentile) to $66,000 (90th percentile).

How does the Corrections Officer salary in Iowa compare to the national average?

Corrections Officers in Iowa earn 11% below the national median of $57,970, with a state median of $51,420.

How many Corrections Officers work in Iowa?

Iowa employs approximately 3,210 Corrections Officers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Corrections Officer license to Iowa from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Corrections Officers in Iowa?

The licensing agency is Iowa Department of Commerce, Iowa Division of Banking / Iowa Department of Commerce, Iowa Division of Banking. Review agency details at https://commerce.iowa.gov/division-banking.

How often do you renew a Corrections Officer license in Iowa?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.