Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IA Board of Business
Real Estate Broker Licensing in Iowa
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for real estate broker 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 Broker in Iowa
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
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
$116,920 median (62% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#1 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Real Estate Broker licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing~Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Iowa
With a median salary of $116,920, Real Estate Brokers in Iowa earn 62% above the national median of $72,280. Iowa ranks #1 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
$116,920Hourly estimate
$56.2162% above national median
Difference: +$44,640
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationReal Estate Broker Salary Ranking
#1 of 50 statesfor Real Estate Broker median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Iowa | $116,920 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | $112,180 |
| #3 | New York | $94,170 |
| #4 | New Jersey | $92,890 |
| #5 | Connecticut | $90,910 |
Nearby States Comparison
Real Estate Broker licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $116,920 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $66,310 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $63,690 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 5 years |
| Illinois | $55,290 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $58,690 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 18 years |
| Nebraska | $47,170 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-19 years |
| South Dakota | $72,280 | 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 | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wisconsin | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-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 • 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 Broker 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 Brokers in Iowa?
Iowa lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Real Estate Brokers.
What education do you need to become a Real Estate Broker in Iowa?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Real Estate Broker licensure in Iowa.
What is the typical Real Estate Broker salary in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Real Estate Brokers in Iowa is $116,920. Salaries range from $38,270 (10th percentile) to $157,100 (90th percentile).
How does the Real Estate Broker salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
Real Estate Brokers in Iowa earn 62% above the national median of $72,280, with a state median of $116,920.
How many Real Estate Brokers work in Iowa?
Iowa employs approximately 740 Real Estate Brokers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Real Estate Broker 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 Real Estate Brokers 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 Broker license in Iowa?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.