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Librarian Licensing in Iowa

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Librarian in Iowa

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Specific course required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $52,780 median (18% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #43 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Iowa

With a median salary of 52,780, Librarians in Iowa earn 18% below the national median of $64,320. Iowa ranks #43 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$52,780

Hourly estimate

$25.38
18% below national median

Difference: -$11,540

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$28,060
  • P2525th percentile$37,290
  • P50Median$52,780
  • P7575th percentile$70,300
  • P9090th percentile$81,610

State vs National Median

State: $52,780
National: $64,320

Total employment: 1,820 | Annual openings: N/A

Librarian Salary Ranking

#43 of 50 statesfor Librarian median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington94,400
#2California86,590
#3Maryland81,690
#4Nevada79,710
#5New Jersey79,380

Nearby States Comparison

Librarian licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Iowa$52,780Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Minnesota$75,260Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Wisconsin$63,610Degree requiredState-approved exam6-24 months
Illinois$62,360Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Missouri$53,600Degree requiredState-approved exam6-24 months
Nebraska$61,990Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
South Dakota$49,290Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months

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
Iowa56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Illinois78HighBoard-specific review required.
Missouri72MediumBackground 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

Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy

6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50319

Phone: 5152814928

Related Careers in Iowa

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
K-12 Teacher$55,540Degree required6-24 months
School Counselor$55,910Degree required6-24 months
Architect$86,990Specific course required6-24 months
Audiologist$93,790Specific course required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Librarian in Iowa?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Librarians in Iowa?

Iowa lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Librarians.

What education do you need to become a Librarian in Iowa?

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

What is the typical Librarian salary in Iowa?

The median annual salary for Librarians in Iowa is 52,780. Salaries range from $28,060 (10th percentile) to $81,610 (90th percentile).

How does the Librarian salary in Iowa compare to the national average?

Librarians in Iowa earn 18% below the national median of $64,320, with a state median of 52,780.

How many Librarians work in Iowa?

Iowa employs approximately 1,820 Librarians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Librarian 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 Librarians in Iowa?

The licensing agency is Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing / Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy. Review agency details at https://dial.iowa.gov/about/boards/physical-occupational-therapy.