CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by IA Board of Healthcare

Physician Licensing in Iowa

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Physician in Iowa

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Certification: Certification required.

  4. 4

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • certain medications with the prior approval and direction of a supervising physician and may prescribe medications and medical devices as delegated by a supervising physician in acco

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Iowa Board of Physician Assistants

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $261,930 median salary

  5. State Salary Rank

    #24 of 48 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Physician licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Submit the application to Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing~Iowa Board of Physician Assistants and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Iowa

The median salary for Physicians in Iowa is $261,930. Iowa ranks #24 among 48 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

$261,930

Hourly estimate

$125.93
National comparison unavailable

National benchmark data is missing for this profile.

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$69,330
  • P2525th percentile$206,090
  • P50Median$261,930
  • P7575th percentileN/A
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $261,930
National: N/A

Total employment: 1,360 | Annual openings: N/A

Physician Salary Ranking

#24 of 48 statesfor Physician median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Wyoming$373,100
#2North Dakota$347,240
#3Maine$344,170
#4Minnesota$323,830
#5South Carolina$320,620

Nearby States Comparison

Physician licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Iowa$261,930Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$323,830Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$303,630Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$218,880Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$293,740Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$278,930Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-19 years
South DakotaN/AVaries 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
Iowa56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Missouri50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
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

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

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Specific course requiredVaries by board
Anesthesiologist$385,010Degree requiredVaries by board
Athletic Trainer$49,700Specific course requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$93,790Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Physician 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 Physicians in Iowa?

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

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

The board typically expects Degree required for Physician licensure in Iowa.

What is the typical Physician salary in Iowa?

The median annual salary for Physicians in Iowa is $261,930.

How many Physicians work in Iowa?

Iowa employs approximately 1,360 Physicians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Physician 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 Physicians 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 license in Iowa?

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