ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Police Officers Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

City of Ottumwa

Police Officer

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

The City of Ottumwa is looking for our next police officers! Under supervision of a Sergeant or higher authority, Police Officers are responsible for the protection of life and property, prevention ...

City of Des Moines

Police Officer

Des Moines, IA

$40.69 - $50.03/hr

Current Iowa certified law enforcement officers with the appropriate sworn, post-academy experience qualify for a Police Officer lateral transfer as outlined below: No less than 400 hours of ...

City of Des Moines, IA

Police Officer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$40.69 - $50.03/hr

NOTE: Iowa C ertified Police Officers selected for the lateral training officer program will participate in 4 to 6 weeks of knowledge, skills, and performance assessment, along with skills ...

City of Ottumwa

Police Officer

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$32.79 - $42.28/hr

Police Officers may work in a variety of assignments within the Department. A police officer is responsible for providing for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting ...

Iowa State University

Police Sergeant

Ames, IA · On-site

Under general supervision, exercises functional supervisory control over a unit of Police Officers ... and Trainees, Public Safety Officers, and Public Safety Dispatchers as directed to ensure proper ...

City of Norwalk (IA)

Police Officer

Norwalk, IA · On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

The Norwalk Police Department is looking for dedicated, service-minded professionals who are ... Our officers work proactively to keep neighborhoods safe, respond to emergencies, investigate ...

Cityofmarion

Entry Level Police Officer

Marion, IA · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Non-Exempt JOB SUMMARY Police officers perform the line function of the police department including a wide variety of duties involving the enforcement of laws and prevention of crimes. Provides ...

City of Marion

Entry Level Police Officer

Marion, IA · On-site

Non-Exempt JOB SUMMARY Police officers perform the line function of the police department including a wide variety of duties involving the enforcement of laws and prevention of crimes. Provides ...

City of Marion

Entry Level Police Officer

Marion, IA · On-site

$69K/yr

Non-Exempt JOB SUMMARY Police officers perform the line function of the police department including a wide variety of duties involving the enforcement of laws and prevention of crimes. Provides ...

Varsity Tutors

Police Officer Exam Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$25 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using practice examinations, memory training exercises, and situational scenario analysis to support aspiring police officers preparing for written entrance examinations across ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPolice Officers JobsPolice Officers Jobs in Iowa

Police Officers information

See Iowa salary details

$30.5K

$58.4K

$97.2K

How much do police officers jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for police officers in Iowa is $58,374.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,600.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Police Officers vs Security Guards?

AspectPolice OfficersSecurity Guards
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, police academy training, sometimes college courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentPublic law enforcement settings, patrols, crime scenesPrivate property, businesses, events, static posts
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, law enforcementPrivate security companies, businesses
Common Search & ComparisonPolice Officers vs Security Guards

Police Officers and Security Guards both work to ensure safety, but Police Officers have law enforcement authority, undergo extensive training, and work in public settings. Security Guards typically focus on protecting private property, with less rigorous training and limited authority. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career or security solution.

How hard is it to get hired as a police officer?

Getting hired as a police officer typically involves meeting minimum requirements such as age, education, and background checks, passing physical and written exams, and completing training at a police academy. The selection process can be competitive, with many applicants vying for limited positions, and candidates often need strong communication skills, physical fitness, and a clean record.

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Police Officers jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Police Officers job openings:

Police Officers jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Officers job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,374 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Police Officer

City of Ottumwa

Ottumwa, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

The City of Ottumwa is looking for our next police officers! Under supervision of a Sergeant or higher authority, Police Officers are responsible for the protection of life and property, prevention of crime, and the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Police Officers may work in a variety of assignments within the Department.

A police officer is responsible for providing for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations. Employees work within the framework of existing department. Standard Operating Guidelines, Departmental Rules and Regulations, SIRG Standard Operating Guidelines and the city policies. Supervision is received from a superior officer who reviews work through reports and observation of results obtained.

Upon completion of the Iowa Law Enforcement academy, officers will work 12-hour shifts, averaging 86 hours every two weeks.

The successful candidate will possess the following:

Education/Training/Certifications

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Possess and maintain valid driver's license
  • Successfully pass all Civil Service examinations / processes and be placed on the eligibility list
    • Pass a psychological exam
    • Successfully complete an oral interview, background investigation, and polygraph examination
    • Be able to legally possess a firearm and ammunition

Knowledge, skills and abilities

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations
  • Ability to exercise individual judgment and initiative
  • Ability to think clearly and act effectively
  • Knowledge of police practices, tactics, techniques and methods

To review the full job description, please click here.

Apply