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Contract Programming Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Transportation Engineer Senior

Ames, IA · On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

Analyzes and grants final approval for substantial contract change orders, Value Engineering proposals, and the release of retained contractor funds. Manages compliance with Davis-Bacon prevailing ...

Senior Project Engineer

Denison, IA · On-site

$95 - $125/hr

Develop engineering designs, material specifications, and project cost estimates. * Conduct ... Submit regular status reports to management, assist with contract administration and prepares ...

Industrial Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

Industrial Engineer Location : Waterloo, IA Duration : 24+ Months Contract (Possible extension depending on performance & client needs) Note - Bachelor Degree required from from an accredited U.S ...

IT/OT Systems Engineer

Oelwein, IA · On-site

$32 - $40/hr

Please note that this is a (contract/contract to hire/direct hire) opportunity with our client and NOT with NRI. Position Overview Our Client is seeking an IT/OT Systems Engineer I to serve as the ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Programming information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$33

$67

How much do contract programming jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Contract Programming job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, and 56% Contract. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $69,711 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Transportation Engineer Senior

State of Iowa

Ames, IA • On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description The Iowa Department of Transportation's Construction and Materials Bureau is seeking a motivated Transportation Engineer Senior to serve as the Bureau's Contract Administration Engineer. In this role, you will assist the Bureau Director in managing engineering and administrative staff responsible for administering construction contracts to accomplish the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. You will provide direction, consultation, and specialized services regarding specifications, methods, techniques and policies for construction and inspection to field construction staff to assure uniform compliance with specifications, procedures, and instructions.

At the Iowa DOT, our mission is Making Lives Better Through Transportation. To help us fulfill that mission, the person selected for this position will model the actions and behaviors guided by our five CORE values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception. If you are passionate about improving systems, supporting others, and contributing to projects that make a real difference across Iowa, we welcome your application and encourage you to bring your strengths to our team.

Location: Ames Shift Requirements: 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. M-F, some travel required

As a Transportation Engineer Senior, your duties will include, but are not limited to: Provides guidance, specification interpretation, and technical assistance to District Construction Engineers and Resident Construction Engineers to ensure statewide compliance. Analyzes and grants final approval for substantial contract change orders, Value Engineering proposals, and the release of retained contractor funds. Manages compliance with Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements on Federal-Aid contracts.

Originates or recommends Staff Action forms for major project changes requiring upper-management approval in accordance with department policy. Reviews upcoming projects weekly and assigns future letting projects to the appropriate Resident Construction Engineers. Coordinates between field staff and central offices, providing construction reviews for proposed plans and serving as a liaison to the Location and Environment Bureau.

Provides urgent construction engineering assistance to field teams in the absence of the Construction Field Engineer. Provide technical assistance to other Bureaus within the Central Office Complex regarding construction issues. This includes providing a review and assessment of proposed plans and specifications, effects on field construction staff by actions of other offices and serves as a liaison with field construction staff when requested to obtain information.

Reviews and provides final approval for the disbursement of contract funds retained to contractors. Special Requirements: The Contract Administration Engineer is required to be a professional engineer licensed by the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board. As a State of Iowa employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits: Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment and costs can be reviewed here.

Opportunities for professional growth and development. Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year. Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match Optional 401A plan with employer contributions.

Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial). We encourage you to view more about the State of Iowa Employee benefits and costs at the State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website. The Iowa Department of Transportation is proud to be a partner with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

Through this partnership, DOT engineers are granted membership at a largely discounted price, as well as discounts for conferences and continuing education through the ASCE. We are excited to offer this benefit and to have you join this partnership with us. If you're interested in learning more about this benefit, please visit https://www.asce.org/membership

You have the freedom to flourish in Iowa - Apply now. The Iowa Department of Transportation is an equal-opportunity employer. If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing any screening, interviewing, pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please direct your request to the Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) Officer at: aa-eeo@iowadot.us Reasonable accommodation such as interpreter, translator, written materials, modified equipment/devices, ADA access, etc

This does not include scheduling needs. The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States.

The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov Minimum Qualification Requirements Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification: 1) All of the following (a and b): a. Licensure as a professional engineer; and b

Four years of full-time professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering. 2) All of the following (a, b, and c): a. Licensure as a professional engineer; and b.

Three years of full-time professional work experience in transportation engineering or civil engineering; and c. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, structural, or transportation engineering; engineering management; or a field closely related to transportation engineering. 3) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes 18 months of full-time work as a Transportation Engineer Specialist or Transportation Engineer Manager.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. Additional Qualification Requirements Prior to appointment, applicants must possess active licensure as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board.


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State of Iowa logo

About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939