America’s
Best Workforce
Iowa’s workforce is highly educated and productive. Iowa’s 88 percent
high school graduation rate places Iowa among the top five states in the
nation. Iowa students’ scores on the ACT and SAT college entrance exams
rank best in the country. And, according to the Annual Survey of Manufacturers,
Iowa workers provide $62.46 in value-added labor per hour, compared to
a national average of $56.64.
Unemployment Insurance
Iowa has the lowest new employer unemployment insurance rate in the
nation. The rate for all non-construction business is 1% for a three-year
period until an experience rating is established. Iowa offers a zero rate
for good experience, approximately 45% of Iowa employees are at a zero
rate. In 1995 the estimated average per employee cost for new nonconstruction
employee was $142.
Workers Compensation
Iowa’s workers’ compensation costs are among the five lowest rates
in the nation. The average cost of workers’ compensation insurance for
manufacturers in Iowa is currently 35 percent lower than the US average.
In 1995 the employer cost per $100 payroll was $3.53.
Job Placement
The Iowa Workforce Centers emphasize services to Iowa employers.
Employers benefit from testing and applicant screening, technical assistance
on personnel issues, and use of Workforce Center facilities for interviewing
applicants, for labor market information and many other services. In addition
the Workforce Centers offer a variety of services to the job seeker.
Labor Availability Survey
The Chamber has a county survey that provides data regarding educational
levels, commuting patterns, skills inventory and employee availability.
Right-to-Work
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