Published Jun 10, 2026 Updated Jun 12, 2026 8 min read
Unless otherwise noted, salary and labor market data sourced from Lightcast/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, June 2026. Salaries reflect Iowa wage distributions.
In Iowa, you can build a high-earning career without a four-year degree, with top earners in these no-degree occupations making up to $287,871 annually. These roles, ranging from specialized healthcare to skilled trades and leadership positions, offer significant earning potential and strong career paths, according to Lightcast labor-market data for 2026.
Quick answer: The highest-paying no-degree job in Iowa is a Periodontist, with top earners making $287,871 annually.
1. Periodontist
Salary in Iowa: Entry: $64,523 | Median: $201,982 | Top: $287,871
What you’d do day-to-day: As a Periodontist, you’d diagnose and treat problems of the teeth, gums, and mouth, focusing on the health of gums and supporting bones. You’d use your communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with patients, schedule appointments, and provide compassionate, detail-oriented care while analyzing their oral health needs.
Typical entry credential: A high school diploma or GED
Top skills: Communication, Interpersonal Communications, Scheduling, Compassion, Detail Oriented, Rapport Building, Analytical Thinking, Innovation
Top employers in Iowa: University of Iowa, Aspen Dental, Iowa Central Community College, Indian Hills Community College, Perfect Impressions Dental Center
Top certifications: Board Certified/Board Eligible, Dental Hygiene License, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification
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2. Director of Public Safety
Salary in Iowa: Entry: $146,789 | Median: $180,702 | Top: $226,385
What you’d do day-to-day: You would direct public safety programs, coordinating law enforcement, fire prevention, and emergency medical services. Your responsibilities include planning for local disaster preparedness, managing operations, and demonstrating leadership while handling confidential information and writing reports.
Typical entry credential: A high school diploma or GED
Top skills: Management, Communication, Confidentiality, Leadership, Operations, Report Writing, Decisiveness, Planning
Top certifications: Valid Driver’s License, Certified Patient Safety Officer
Top employers in Iowa: Drake University, Mount Mercy University, Des Moines Public Schools
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3. Legislative Staffer
Salary in Iowa: Entry: $146,071 | Median: $170,762 | Top: $209,216
What you’d do day-to-day: In this role, you’d monitor pending legislation, conduct thorough research, and draft new laws for government legislators. You would provide counsel, make recommendations, and perform administrative functions such as scheduling, information organization, and typing, all while adhering to ethical standards and providing customer service.
Typical entry credential: A high school diploma or GED
Top skills: Clerical Works, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Administrative Functions, Customer Service, Scheduling, Information Organization, Typing, Tactfulness
Top employers in Iowa: State Of Iowa, Woodbury County, University of Iowa
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4. Emergency Room Physician Assistant
Salary in Iowa: Entry: $108,294 | Median: $133,575 | Top: $182,209
What you’d do day-to-day: You would provide medical care to patients in emergency rooms, working under the supervision of a physician or surgeon. Your duties include recording patient medical histories, ordering diagnostic tests, giving immunizations, and performing emergency procedures, requiring strong communication and problem reporting skills.
Typical entry credential: A high school diploma or GED
Top skills: Communication, Clerical Works, Management, Customer Service, Information Technology, Problem Reporting, Sorting, Emergency Procedures
Top certifications: Nurse Practitioner (APRN-CNP), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification, Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
Top employers in Iowa: Trinity Health, Vituity, MercyOne, CompHealth, Mercy Medical Center – Sioux City
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5. Brick / Stone Mason
Salary in Iowa: Entry: $45,086 | Median: $110,631 | Top: $251,357
What you’d do day-to-day: You would construct various structures like walls, walkways, chimneys, and fireplaces using bricks or stones. This role involves physical lifting, clear communication with customers, and potentially leading projects or teaching others while managing tasks.
Typical entry credential: A high school diploma or GED
Top skills: Communication, Teaching, Customer Service, Interpersonal Communications, Sales, Lifting Ability, Management, Leadership
Top certifications: Board Certified/Board Eligible, Nurse Practitioner (APRN-CNP), Valid Driver’s License
Top employers in Iowa: Trinity Health, Archway Physician Recruitment, CompHealth, Anderson Merchandisers, Mercy Medical Center – Sioux City
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6. Aviation / Aircraft Inspector
Salary in Iowa: Entry: $88,882 | Median: $119,856 | Top: $161,094
What you’d do day-to-day: As an Aviation or Aircraft Inspector, you would perform crucial safety inspections on airplanes and collaborate with aircraft mechanics. This involves meticulous record keeping, managing inspection processes, ensuring operational safety, and maintaining clear communication.
Typical entry credential: A high school diploma or GED
Top skills: Record Keeping, Management, English Language, Operations, Safety Assurance
Top certifications: Multi-Engine Land (MEL), Board Certified/Board Eligible, Valid Driver’s License
Top employers in Iowa: Aviation Personnel, United States Department of Transportation
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7. Chief Sales Officer
Salary in Iowa: Entry: $74,054 | Median: $112,188 | Top: $175,508
What you’d do day-to-day: You would lead a company’s sales organization to achieve growth and revenue targets, overseeing sales vice presidents and managers. This role requires strong analytical skills, prioritization, adaptability, and the ability to meet deadlines, often using Microsoft Office for various tasks.
Typical entry credential: A high school diploma or GED
Top skills: Customer Service, Analytical Skills, Prioritization, Ability To Meet Deadlines, Adaptability, Governance, Interpersonal Communications, Microsoft Office
Top certifications: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Valid Driver’s License
Top employers in Iowa: Wells Fargo, Kirkwood Community College, City Of Ames, Evolent Health, Cintas
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8. Automotive General Manager
Salary in Iowa: Entry: $81,200 | Median: $110,536 | Top: $155,478
What you’d do day-to-day: You would ensure the profitability of an automotive dealership or service provider by overseeing various departments, including sales, service, and administration. Your duties involve planning, motivating, and coordinating management through strong leadership and business practices, requiring excellent customer service and a good driving record.
Typical entry credential: A high school diploma or GED
Top skills: Management, Customer Service, Leadership, Operations, Prioritization, Good Driving Record, Sales, Interpersonal Communications
Top certifications: Valid Driver’s License, Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification
Top employers in Iowa: GPAC, Caliber Collision, Caliber Holdings, Andersen Windows, Lithia Motors
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9. Tibco Developer
Salary in Iowa: Entry: $95,820 | Median: $113,045 | Top: $139,677
What you’d do day-to-day: As a Tibco Developer, you would build and develop technology systems that support business intelligence and analytics using TIBCO software. You’d set up systems for data collection on business operations, customers, or sales, and support analyses, requiring strong information technology, troubleshooting, and innovative thinking.
Typical entry credential: A high school diploma or GED
Top skills: Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Lifting Ability, Communication, Information Technology, Leadership, Innovation, Writing, Influencing Skills
Top certifications: VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
Top employers in Iowa: Fujifilm, Prime Therapeutics, Resource Informatics Group, Accenture, Mutual of Omaha
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10. Logistician (General)
Salary in Iowa: Entry: $77,868 | Median: $110,204 | Top: $151,629
What you’d do day-to-day: You would develop estimates of demand for company products and analyze business and economic data to forecast sales for production planning. This role involves planning and managing supply purchases, developing order schedules, cultivating supplier relationships, and monitoring supply quality, all requiring strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Typical entry credential: An associate’s degree
Top skills: Accountability, Planning, Management, Communication, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Mentorship, Program Management
Top certifications: Secret Clearance, Security Clearance
Top employers in Iowa: Smx Corporation Limited, Alegiant Healthcare
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest-paying no-degree job in Iowa?
The highest-paying no-degree job in Iowa is a Periodontist, with top earners making $287,871 annually. This specialized dental role offers significant income potential without requiring a bachelor’s degree.
Do these jobs require a college degree?
No, none of the jobs on this list require a four-year college degree. The typical entry credential for these occupations is either a high school diploma or GED, or a postsecondary nondegree award like an associate’s degree, apprenticeship, or industry certification.
Which no-degree job in Iowa has the most job openings?
The Brick / Stone Mason career has the most job openings among these high-paying no-degree jobs in Iowa, with 750 active postings. This indicates high demand for skilled professionals in this trade.
What are common skills for high-paying no-degree jobs in Iowa?
Common skills across these high-paying no-degree jobs in Iowa include Communication, Management, Leadership, Customer Service, and Analytical Thinking. These skills are essential for success in various industries, from healthcare to sales and skilled trades.
Exploring career paths that don’t require a four-year degree can open up many opportunities for high earning potential and job satisfaction. These roles in Iowa demonstrate that valuable skills and specialized training can lead to a successful and rewarding career. Broaden your search and discover more options that align with your interests and goals.
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