Employment opportunities in Iowa: Diverse job market sectors. Growing tech industry. Low unemployment rate. Strong agricultural presence. Numerous healthcare positions. Educational institutions hiring. Manufacturing job availability. Renewable energy careers. Business and finance openings. State government employment options.
Diverse job market sectors
Iowa's job market is diverse, with the healthcare sector, particularly registered nurses, being the most prevalent. Other significant sectors include manufacturing, especially in food processing and agricultural machinery, and the finance and insurance sector, with Des Moines serving as a national hub for insurance companies. For more insights, explore The Heart of the Heartland which delves into Iowa's most common profession and the economic dynamics of the state.
Growing tech industry
Des Moines, Iowa, is experiencing significant growth in its tech industry, with an annual growth rate of 6.8% in tech employment and numerous job openings in fields such as software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity. With major companies like Microsoft and Meta expanding their presence, the city offers competitive salaries and lower living costs, providing an appealing alternative to coastal tech hubs. Furthermore, Des Moines boasts a strong pipeline of tech talent from local universities, enhancing its reputation as a burgeoning tech center. For more insights on pursuing a tech career in this thriving city, visit the Complete Guide to getting a job in tech in Des Moines by 2025.
Low unemployment rate
Iowa's unemployment rate has remained low, at 2.9% in March 2024, ranking 11th lowest in the nation, although the labor force participation rate has declined, suggesting that the drop in unemployment may be due to people leaving the workforce rather than finding employment. For a detailed analysis, visit the Iowa Jobs and Labor Force Update on the Common Sense Institute website.
Strong agricultural presence
Iowa's agriculture sector, which encompasses agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, employs approximately 20,195 people, with animal production being the largest subsector, accounting for 54.9% of the sector's workforce. This sector experienced a significant 6.7% increase in employment from 2013 to 2022. The average annual wage in this thriving industry was $49,494 in 2022. For more detailed insights and statistics, visit the Iowa Workforce Development website, showcasing the robust growth and economic impact of agriculture in the state.
Numerous healthcare positions
Iowa offers numerous healthcare positions, including Director of Nursing roles at various locations such as Sanford Health, Good Samaritan Society, and Cedar Ridge Village. Additionally, there is a range of opportunities at University of Iowa Health Care in areas like nursing, advanced practice providers, and other medical specialties.
Educational institutions hiring
In Iowa, educational institutions can post and find job opportunities through IowaWORKS.gov, a mandatory platform as per Iowa Code 84A.6, and optionally through the TeachIowa platform starting in the fall of 2024. These resources allow organizations to post jobs, review applicants, and provide job seekers with tools to search and apply for education-related positions.
Manufacturing job availability
Manufacturing jobs in Iowa, particularly in the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City areas, include roles such as Electrical Technician, Machine Operator, and Assembly, with companies like Midwest Microwave Solutions and New Leader Manufacturing offering various opportunities. To explore these diverse opportunities and find the perfect fit for your skills, visit the Manufacturing Jobs website and discover a range of career paths in this dynamic industry.
Renewable energy careers
Renewable energy careers in Iowa are thriving, with over 32,000 jobs in the sector, demonstrating a 4.5% increase in 2023. This growth is driven by advancements in energy efficiency, solar, wind, and electric vehicles, all supported by federal incentives such as the Inflation Reduction Act. For more detailed insights on this sector, you can visit the Clean Jobs Midwest website, which provides comprehensive data and analysis on the renewable job market in Iowa.
Business and finance openings
Iowa offers a variety of business and finance job opportunities, including roles such as AVP of Agricultural/Commercial Lending, Credit & Collections Analyst, Ag Loan Officer, and Accounts Payable/Executive Assistant, across companies like John Deere, Innovative Ag Services, and JBS. With over 50,000 job openings, a significant number are in business and finance, supported by resources like IowaWORKS, which provides access to job listings, career services, and workforce development programs.
State government employment options
The State of Iowa provides a diverse array of employment opportunities across 16 state agencies, catering to both new applicants and current state employees. To support potential candidates, the state offers valuable resources, including a total compensation calculator and comprehensive benefits details. For more information, you can explore job openings and other resources through their State Employment webpage, ensuring all applicants have access to essential tools for career advancement.