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Verified by IA Board of Healthcare

Surgical Technologists Licensing in Iowa

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

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Surgical Technologists in Iowa

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 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

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $53,920 median (14% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #41 of 49 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Surgical Technologists licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Iowa

With a median salary of $53,920, Surgical Technologistss in Iowa earn 14% below the national median of $62,830. Iowa ranks #41 among 49 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

$53,920

Hourly estimate

$25.92
14% below national median

Difference: -$8,910

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$41,880
  • P2525th percentile$48,700
  • P50Median$53,920
  • P7575th percentile$61,310
  • P9090th percentile$65,240

State vs National Median

State: $53,920
National: $62,830

Total employment: 730 | Annual openings: N/A

Surgical Technologists Salary Ranking

#41 of 49 statesfor Surgical Technologists median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$81,120
#2Connecticut$80,590
#3Oregon$79,410
#4Alaska$79,040
#5Massachusetts$78,300

Nearby States Comparison

Surgical Technologists licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Iowa$53,920Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$77,950Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$65,870Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$62,510Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Missouri$60,420Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$62,670Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-19 years
South Dakota$52,400Varies 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
Iowa50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois78HighBoard-specific review required.
Missouri54LowState-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

6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50325

Phone: 5152814822

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Surgical Technologists 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 Surgical Technologistss in Iowa?

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

What education do you need to become a Surgical Technologists in Iowa?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Surgical Technologists licensure in Iowa.

What is the typical Surgical Technologists salary in Iowa?

The median annual salary for Surgical Technologistss in Iowa is $53,920. Salaries range from $41,880 (10th percentile) to $65,240 (90th percentile).

How does the Surgical Technologists salary in Iowa compare to the national average?

Surgical Technologistss in Iowa earn 14% below the national median of $62,830, with a state median of $53,920.

How many Surgical Technologistss work in Iowa?

Iowa employs approximately 730 Surgical Technologistss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Surgical Technologists 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 Surgical Technologistss in Iowa?

The licensing agency is Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing. Review agency details at https://dial.iowa.gov/i-need/licenses/medical/nursing-professional-midwifery.

How often do you renew a Surgical Technologists license in Iowa?

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