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Contract Programming Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Loenbro

Contract manger - Midwest Region

Cedar Rapids, IA

$87K - $116K/yr

Preferred Qualifications * 3+ years' experience in construction, manufacturing, engineering, energy, or industrial services industries; * Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) or similar ...

Loenbro

Contract manger - Midwest Region

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$87K - $116K/yr

Preferred Qualifications * 3+ years' experience in construction, manufacturing, engineering, energy, or industrial services industries; * Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) or similar ...

Saige Partners

Embedded Electrical Engineer

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

This is a contract position. Key Responsibilities: Embedded Software & Firmware Development Design ... Strong proficiency in embedded programming using C. Extensive experience working in mixed hardware ...

Elon University

Facility Engineer

Elon, IA · On-site

Ensure oversight of technical designs for the department's repairs to building systems and small construction contracts; engineering support and assistance to the division departments maintaining the ...

Varsity Tutors

Computer Programming Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of programming fundamentals including variables, data types, control structures ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Varsity Tutors

Computer Programming Tutor

Iowa City, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of programming fundamentals including variables, data types, control structures ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

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All JobsContract Programming JobsContract Programming Jobs in Iowa

Contract Programming information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$33

$67

How much do contract programming jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract programming in Iowa is $33.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $42.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Programming vs Software Developer?

AspectContract ProgrammingSoftware Developer
CredentialsTypically no specific certifications required, but technical skills are essentialOften holds degrees or certifications in computer science or related fields
Work EnvironmentProject-based, freelance or temporary roles, often remoteFull-time employment, in-house or remote
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across various industries for short-term projectsEmployed by companies for ongoing development roles
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for flexibility and project scopeCompared for career stability and growth opportunities

Contract Programming involves short-term, project-based work often as a freelancer, while Software Developers typically work full-time within a company. Both roles require strong technical skills, but their work environments and employment terms differ significantly.

What is contract programming?

Contract programming refers to the practice of hiring software developers or programmers on a contract basis, rather than as permanent employees. These professionals are typically brought in to work on specific projects or for a set period of time, often to address resource gaps or provide specialized expertise. Contract programmers are responsible for designing, writing, testing, and maintaining code according to the requirements set by the client. This arrangement offers flexibility for both the employer and the programmer, as it allows businesses to scale their workforce as needed and gives programmers the opportunity to work on diverse projects.

What are some common challenges faced by contract programmers when working with multiple clients simultaneously?

Contract programmers often juggle projects for several clients at once, which can present challenges in time management, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring clear communication. Balancing different workflows, adapting to various coding standards, and aligning with each client’s expectations require strong organizational and interpersonal skills. It's important to establish transparent timelines, utilize project management tools, and maintain regular check-ins with clients to keep projects on track and avoid misunderstandings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Programmer, you need advanced programming skills, knowledge of multiple programming languages, and a proven track record demonstrated by a relevant degree or portfolio of completed projects. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), project management tools, and sometimes certifications in specific technologies (such as AWS or Microsoft Azure) are commonly expected. Strong communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities help you adapt to diverse client needs and collaborate remotely. These skills enable you to deliver high-quality, on-time solutions while maintaining client satisfaction in a competitive contract environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Programming jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Programming jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Programming jobs in Iowa? For Contract Programming jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Programming jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Programming jobs in Iowa are:
Contract Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Programming job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,711 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Contract Specialist

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$89K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

The purpose of this position is to serve as a Contract Specialist for the US Department of Veterans Affairs with the responsibility for performing professional work involving procurement of supplies and services using procedures outlined in the Federal Acquisition Regulations, VA Acquisition Regulations, Public Laws, and agency policy.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: Contracting Specialist - Total Rewards
Qualifications:To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/05/2026.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-12 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11 level. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. Most applicants will need to provide two SF-50s.
Basic Requirements: A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field;
Or
At least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.
Exceptions: Employees in GS-1102 positions will be considered to have met the standard for positions they occupy on January 1, 2000. Employees who occupy GS-1102 positions at grades 5 through 12 will be considered to meet the basic requirements for other GS-1102 positions up to and including those classified at GS-12. This includes positions at other agencies and promotions up through grade 12. However, employees must meet specialized experience requirements when seeking another position.
You may qualify based on your experience as described below:
  • Specialized Experience: year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the federal service; experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations, VA Acquisition Regulations, contract law, and procedures applicable to acquisition and contract administration including change orders, supplemental agreements, terminations, claims, and close out of contracts. Knowledge of various types of contracts, including firm-fixed price, firm-fixed price with economic price adjustments, and cost reimbursement; and contract methods to include simplified acquisitions, sealed bidding, negotiations, cost sharing, multiple awards, commercial items and special provisions. Sufficient knowledge of program objectives, technical terminology, and uses of equipment, architect- engineering services, or construction services to be procured to plan, negotiate and administer the contract. Knowledge of the market and sources to include identification of offerors in specific socioeconomic categories eligible for set-asides. Ability to take appropriate action related to issues of noncompliance.

There is no educational substitution for the GS-12 level.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Note: Resume must include job title and employer name, number of hours worked per week, start and end dates (including month and year), list of duties and responsibilities for each position held. In addition, if the experience was a federal position, you must list series and grade for each position held. Failure to include this information may result in an ineligible rating. A full year of work is considered to be 40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at http://://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education:Transcripts: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Transcripts must depict the name of the college to determine accreditation, and your name must also be displayed on the transcripts. If qualifying based on a degree, or for positions requiring a degree, the transcript must show the date the degree was conferred. If selected, you must provide official transcripts. Transcripts should state degree conferred, and have a date. Undergraduate transcripts are required to meet the basic requirement for this position; please submit all transcripts. Copies of Official Transcripts are accepted and are the best way to ensure your education is interpreted correctly in accordance with OPM qualification standards, but unofficial transcripts are accepted if they contain all the required information. If credit for a course is being questioned by the HR Professional performing qualifications, it is your responsibility to provide supporting descriptive information (course syllabus/descriptions) in your application package.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.Employment Type: OTHER

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