Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IA Board of Business
Real Estate Agent Licensing in Iowa
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for real estate agent 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 Real Estate Agent in Iowa
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course 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 • Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$36,420 median (35% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#50 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Real Estate Agent licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing~Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Iowa
With a median salary of $36,420, Real Estate Agents in Iowa earn 35% below the national median of $56,320. Iowa ranks #50 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
$36,420Hourly estimate
$17.5135% below national median
Difference: -$19,900
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationReal Estate Agent Salary Ranking
#50 of 50 statesfor Real Estate Agent median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $97,440 |
| #2 | Alaska | $85,800 |
| #3 | Massachusetts | $85,170 |
| #4 | Vermont | $82,630 |
| #5 | New Mexico | $79,790 |
Nearby States Comparison
Real Estate Agent licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $36,420 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $47,650 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $49,480 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $51,210 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $38,910 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $48,550 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| South Dakota | $54,410 | 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 • Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau
6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Phone: 5157259022
Related Careers in Iowa
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $86,990 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $50,720 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $74,290 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $94,500 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Real Estate Agent 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 Real Estate Agents in Iowa?
Iowa lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Real Estate Agents.
What education do you need to become a Real Estate Agent in Iowa?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Real Estate Agent licensure in Iowa.
What is the typical Real Estate Agent salary in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Real Estate Agents in Iowa is $36,420. Salaries range from $21,770 (10th percentile) to $77,990 (90th percentile).
How does the Real Estate Agent salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
Real Estate Agents in Iowa earn 35% below the national median of $56,320, with a state median of $36,420.
How many Real Estate Agents work in Iowa?
Iowa employs approximately 670 Real Estate Agents according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Real Estate Agent 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 Real Estate Agents in Iowa?
The licensing agency is Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing / Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau. Review agency details at http://www.plb.iowa.gov/.
How often do you renew a Real Estate Agent license in Iowa?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.