Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Iowa
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Iowa | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,230 | $51,650 | +16.6% vs US |
| State Rank | #18 of 51 states | Top 20 state | |
| Employment | 170 jobs | 45,680 jobs | 0.4% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $47,950 | $23.05 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,010 | $24.52 |
| Median | $60,230 | $28.96 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,520 | $30.06 |
| 90th Percentile | $64,670 | $31.09 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Iowa in 2026?
With a median salary of $60,230 in Iowa and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +53.3%, paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators are still in strong and growing demand.
How can paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators increase their salary in Iowa?
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Iowa can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: Iowa currently ranks #18 out of 51 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Iowa?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Facilities Support Services | $88,940 |
| Rail Transportation | $76,630 |
| Rail Transportation | $76,630 |
How are Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators paid in Iowa compared to the national average?
The median salary for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Iowa is $60,230, which is 16.6% above the national median of $51,650.