Iowa Employment Law

Iowa Civil Rights Act covers employers with 4+ employees. Includes sexual orientation and gender identity protections with a 300-day filing deadline.

At-Will

Yes

Right-to-Work

Yes

EEOC Deferral

300 days

Min. Wage

$7.25

Iowa State Laws (1)

ICRA

Iowa Code §§ 216.1-216.20

300 days
4+ employees

The Iowa Civil Rights Act prohibits employment discrimination based on age, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, and disability. Iowa was one of the first states to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes under state law. The Act covers employers with four or more employees and provides a 300-day filing deadline with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission.

Protected Classes

ageracecreedcolorsexsexual orientationgender identitynational originreligiondisability

Key Provisions

  • ✓Prohibits discrimination based on age, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, and disability
  • ✓Covers employers with 4 or more employees, broader than the federal 15-employee threshold
  • ✓Includes sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes
  • ✓Iowa Civil Rights Commission investigates complaints and may pursue administrative hearings
  • ✓Employees may also file directly in state district court after obtaining a right-to-sue letter

Remedies

Back payFront payCompensatory damages (emotional distress)Punitive damagesAttorney fees and costsInjunctive reliefReinstatement
File with: Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC)300 days from the discriminatory act

Federal Laws That Apply in Iowa

These federal statutes protect workers nationwide, including in Iowa. As a deferral state, the EEOC filing deadline is extended to 300 days for most claims.

Title VII15+ employees
300 days
ADA15+ employees
300 days
ADEA20+ employees
300 days
EPA1+ employees
730 days
PDA15+ employees
300 days
PWFA15+ employees
300 days
FMLA50+ employees
730 days
FLSA1+ employees
730 days
Section 19811+ employees
1460 days
GINA15+ employees
300 days
USERRA1+ employees
— days
NLRA1+ employees
180 days
OSH Act1+ employees
30 days
WARN Act100+ employees
— days
Rehabilitation Act1+ employees
300 days
SOX Section 8061+ employees
180 days
INA Section 1324b4+ employees
180 days

Check which laws apply to your situation in Iowa

Our free assessment identifies applicable federal, state, and local protections based on your specific circumstances.

Check My Rights

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.Iowa laws are subject to legislative changes. Consult a qualified employment attorney in Iowa for advice about your specific situation. Last reviewed: February 2025.