Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IA Board of Education
K-12 Teacher Licensing in Iowa
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for k-12 teacher in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Iowa
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Tied to business.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Iowa Department of Education • Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$55,540 median (11% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#40 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for K-12 Teacher licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Iowa Department of Education~Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Iowa
With a median salary of $55,540, K-12 Teachers in Iowa earn 11% below the national median of $62,340. Iowa ranks #40 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
$55,540Hourly estimate
$26.7011% below national median
Difference: -$6,800
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationK-12 Teacher Salary Ranking
#40 of 50 statesfor K-12 Teacher median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $99,110 |
| #2 | California | $98,190 |
| #3 | Rhode Island | $86,900 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $83,260 |
| #5 | New York | $82,480 |
Nearby States Comparison
K-12 Teacher licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $55,540 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $63,120 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $60,690 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $64,160 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $48,250 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $61,700 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| South Dakota | $49,110 | 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 | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| 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
Iowa Department of Education • Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
400 East 14th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50319
Phone: 5152813611
Related Careers in Iowa
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $75,600 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,400 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,340 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $54,720 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher 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 K-12 Teachers in Iowa?
Iowa lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for K-12 Teachers.
What education do you need to become a K-12 Teacher in Iowa?
The board typically expects Degree required for K-12 Teacher licensure in Iowa.
What is the typical K-12 Teacher salary in Iowa?
The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in Iowa is $55,540. Salaries range from $38,340 (10th percentile) to $75,960 (90th percentile).
How does the K-12 Teacher salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
K-12 Teachers in Iowa earn 11% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of $55,540.
How many K-12 Teachers work in Iowa?
Iowa employs approximately 15,890 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my K-12 Teacher 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 K-12 Teachers in Iowa?
The licensing agency is Iowa Department of Education / Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. Review agency details at https://boee.iowa.gov/.
How often do you renew a K-12 Teacher license in Iowa?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.