Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IA Board of Healthcare
Social Worker Licensing in Iowa
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for social worker 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 Social Worker in Iowa
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Iowa Board of Social Work
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$88,000 median (27% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#15 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Social Worker 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 Social Work and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Iowa
With a median salary of $88,000, Social Workers in Iowa earn 27% above the national median of $69,480. Iowa ranks #15 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
$88,000Hourly estimate
$42.3127% above national median
Difference: +$18,520
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSocial Worker Salary Ranking
#15 of 50 statesfor Social Worker median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nevada | $109,220 |
| #2 | Hawaii | $108,780 |
| #3 | Rhode Island | $106,910 |
| #4 | New Hampshire | $104,770 |
| #5 | Oklahoma | $100,150 |
Nearby States Comparison
Social Worker licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $88,000 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $79,220 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $62,510 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $63,590 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $52,080 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $67,590 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| South Dakota | $89,320 | 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 | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| 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 Social Work
6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0075
Phone: 5152810254
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| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $385,010 | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Social Worker 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 Social Workers in Iowa?
Iowa lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Social Workers.
What education do you need to become a Social Worker in Iowa?
The board typically expects Degree required for Social Worker licensure in Iowa.
What is the typical Social Worker salary in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Social Workers in Iowa is $88,000. Salaries range from $46,230 (10th percentile) to $108,680 (90th percentile).
How does the Social Worker salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
Social Workers in Iowa earn 27% above the national median of $69,480, with a state median of $88,000.
How many Social Workers work in Iowa?
Iowa employs approximately 250 Social Workers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Social Worker 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 Social Workers in Iowa?
The licensing agency is Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing / Iowa Board of Social Work. Review agency details at https://dial.iowa.gov/about/boards/social-work.
How often do you renew a Social Worker license in Iowa?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.