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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 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Iowa

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Tied to business
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: No exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: No experience required
  • Background Check: Background check required
  • Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Iowa Department of Education • Iowa Board of Educational Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $55,540 median (11% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #40 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

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 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$55,540

Hourly estimate

$26.70
11% below national median

Difference: -$6,800

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$38,340
  • P2525th percentile$46,220
  • P50Median$55,540
  • P7575th percentile$61,670
  • P9090th percentile$75,960

State vs National Median

State: $55,540
National: $62,340

Total employment: 15,890 | Annual openings: N/A

K-12 Teacher Salary Ranking

#40 of 50 statesfor K-12 Teacher median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington99,110
#2California98,190
#3Rhode Island86,900
#4Massachusetts83,260
#5New York82,480

Nearby States Comparison

K-12 Teacher licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Iowa$55,540Degree requiredNo exam required6-24 months
Minnesota$63,120Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Wisconsin$60,690Degree requiredState-approved exam6-24 months
Illinois$64,160Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Missouri$48,250Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months
Nebraska$61,700Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
South Dakota$49,110Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months

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
Iowa54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Illinois50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Missouri54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Iowa Department of Education • Iowa Board of Educational Examiners

400 East 14th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50319

Phone: 5152813611

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Iowa

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Librarian$52,780Specific course required6-24 months
School Counselor$55,910Degree required6-24 months
Architect$86,990Specific course required6-24 months
Audiologist$93,790Specific course required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in Iowa?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, 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. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. 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/.