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Federal Prosecutor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Scott County (IA)

Assistant Attorney

Davenport, IA · On-site

$88K - $102K/yr

Prepares cases, writes, reviews, and files all pleadings necessary for criminal prosecution ... Local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances. Trial and court procedures.

Scott Count

Assistant Attorney

Davenport, IA · On-site

$88 - $102/hr

Scott County participates inthe federal E-Verify programto verify the identity and employment ... Prepares cases, writes, reviews, and files all pleadings necessary for criminal prosecution.

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Scott County, IA

Assistant Attorney

Davenport, IA · On-site

$88K - $102K/yr

Prepares cases, writes, reviews, and files all pleadings necessary for criminal prosecution ... Local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances. Trial and court procedures.

Meskwaki Nation

Assistant Attorney General

Tama, IA · On-site

$119K - $192K/yr

Represents the Tribe's interest in civil and criminal matters in tribal, state and federal court ... May handle criminal cases on behalf of the Tribe and fill in for the Lead Prosecutor including ...

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All JobsFederal Prosecutor JobsFederal Prosecutor Jobs in Iowa

Federal Prosecutor information

See Iowa salary details

$23.2K

$82.3K

$143.3K

How much do federal prosecutor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal prosecutor in Iowa is $82,265.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,324.00 and $101,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal prosecutor?

Federal prosecutors, also known as Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs), are lawyers who represent the United States government in criminal and civil cases at the federal level. Their primary responsibility is to prosecute individuals and organizations accused of violating federal laws. They work for the U.S. Department of Justice and handle cases ranging from white-collar crimes and drug offenses to terrorism and public corruption. Federal prosecutors also advise law enforcement agencies during investigations and may participate in plea negotiations, trials, and appeals.

How does a federal prosecutor typically collaborate with law enforcement agencies during an investigation?

Federal prosecutors work closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies throughout the investigation and prosecution of cases. They provide legal guidance during investigations, review evidence, and help determine the appropriate charges. Regular meetings and communication are essential to coordinate strategies, ensure proper handling of evidence, and prepare for court proceedings. This collaborative approach ensures cases are built on solid legal and factual grounds, often involving teamwork with agents from agencies like the FBI, DEA, or ATF.

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

To thrive as a Federal Prosecutor, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, strong legal research and litigation skills, and a deep understanding of federal law and criminal procedure. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, case management systems, and certification in trial advocacy can be valuable. Excellent written and oral communication, analytical thinking, and sound judgment are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are critical for building strong cases, ensuring justice, and upholding the rule of law in complex federal matters.

What is the difference between Federal Prosecutor vs District Attorney?

AspectFederal ProsecutorDistrict Attorney
CredentialsJurisdictions vary, but typically require a law degree and bar admission; often have federal legal experienceLaw degree and bar admission; local legal experience preferred
Work EnvironmentFederal courts, federal agencies, and offices handling federal crimesLocal courts, county offices, and handling state and local crimes
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Justice, federal agenciesCounty governments, local jurisdictions
Common Search & ComparisonFederal Prosecutor vs District Attorney

The main difference between a Federal Prosecutor and a District Attorney lies in their jurisdiction and scope of work. Federal Prosecutors handle cases involving federal laws across multiple states, working within federal agencies and courts. District Attorneys serve at the local level, prosecuting state and local crimes within a specific county. Both roles require legal credentials and courtroom experience, but they operate in different legal systems and environments.

How competitive are federal prosecutor jobs?

Federal prosecutor jobs are highly competitive, often attracting many qualified applicants due to the prestige, salary, and opportunities for impactful work. Candidates typically need a strong legal background, relevant experience, and competitive academic credentials to succeed in the hiring process.

How do you become a federal prosecutor?

To become a federal prosecutor, you typically need a bachelor's degree followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. After passing the bar exam and gaining legal experience, often through working as a lawyer or in related legal roles, candidates can apply for federal prosecutor positions, which may require passing a background check and demonstrating strong legal skills and knowledge of federal law.

Is it hard to be a federal prosecutor?

Being a federal prosecutor is a challenging career that requires a law degree, passing the bar exam, and often several years of legal experience. The role involves handling complex cases, working under high pressure, and maintaining high ethical standards, making it a demanding but rewarding profession.

What are popular job titles related to Federal Prosecutor jobs in Iowa?

For Federal Prosecutor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Federal Prosecutor jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Federal Prosecutor jobs in Iowa are:

Federal Prosecutor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Prosecutor job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,265 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Assistant Attorney General - Drug Prosecution (HIDTA)

State of Iowa

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$63K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

State Of Iowa rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 50 rated states

Job description

Job Description Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird seeks an assistant attorney general to serve as a prosecutor with the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA)program. Description The person selected for this role will prosecute criminal cases in federal court while cross-designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and working out of the Des Moines office of the U.S

Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa. This is a three-year term appointment. Requirements and Preferences Candidates must be licensed to practice law in Iowa, uphold the highest professional standards, and be committed to public service and the rule of law.

The most competitive applicants will have experience trying cases in federal court, particularly in criminal matters. E-Verify and Right to Work 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 visitwww.e-verify.gov. This is a non-merit position for the Office of the Iowa Attorney General

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise. Minimum Qualification Requirements Applicants must have graduated from an accredited school of law to qualify for positions in this job classification. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Additional Qualification Requirements At the time of appointment, employees in this class are required to have been admitted to the Iowa State Bar and appropriate federal courts.

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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

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