Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IA Board of Healthcare
Physician Assistant Licensing in Iowa
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physician assistant in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Physician Assistant in Iowa
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Iowa Board of Physician Assistants
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$133,400 median (0% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#22 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Physician Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing~Iowa Board of Physician Assistants and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Iowa
With a median salary of $133,400, Physician Assistants in Iowa earn 0% above the national median of $133,260. Iowa ranks #22 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,154Median annual salary
$133,400Hourly estimate
$64.130% above national median
Difference: +$140
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysician Assistant Salary Ranking
#22 of 50 statesfor Physician Assistant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | $163,020 |
| #2 | California | $161,080 |
| #3 | Washington | $156,990 |
| #4 | New York | $152,650 |
| #5 | Oregon | $149,130 |
Nearby States Comparison
Physician Assistant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $133,400 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $139,300 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $132,820 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $122,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $139,200 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $128,240 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| South Dakota | $128,130 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wisconsin | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Illinois | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Missouri | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Iowa Board of Physician Assistants
6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0075
Phone: 5152810254
Related Careers in Iowa
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $385,010 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $49,700 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $93,790 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physician Assistant 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 Physician Assistants in Iowa?
Iowa lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Physician Assistants.
What education do you need to become a Physician Assistant in Iowa?
The board typically expects Degree required for Physician Assistant licensure in Iowa.
What is the typical Physician Assistant salary in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Physician Assistants in Iowa is $133,400. Salaries range from $108,400 (10th percentile) to $172,510 (90th percentile).
How does the Physician Assistant salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
Physician Assistants in Iowa earn 0% above the national median of $133,260, with a state median of $133,400.
How many Physician Assistants work in Iowa?
Iowa employs approximately 1,200 Physician Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant license to Iowa from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Physician Assistants in Iowa?
The licensing agency is Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing / Iowa Board of Physician Assistants. Review agency details at https://dial.iowa.gov/about/boards/physician-assistants.
How often do you renew a Physician Assistant license in Iowa?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.