- IPERS is the retirement plan for most employees of Iowa's schools, teachers included. IPERS has three membership groups. Unless you work in a sheriff or protection occupation job, you are a Regular member, like about 95% of all members.Member Handbook (2025), p. 3, Purpose of This Publication; p. 6, Membership Groups
- Membership is automatic for permanent full-time and part-time public employees. Since July 1, 1965, membership starts on the first day you receive IPERS-covered wages.Member Handbook (2025), p. 4, Automatic Membership
- Employees of the Regents universities and community colleges may choose an alternative plan instead of IPERS. They have 60 days from hire, or from becoming eligible, to choose it. After that, IPERS coverage cannot be changed.Member Handbook (2025), p. 5, Optional Membership
- IPERS has a single Regular plan with no tiers. Some rules still depend on July 1, 2012: how you vest, your average salary and the early-retirement reduction all changed that day.Member Handbook (2025), p. 17; pp. 41-42
Regents universities and community colleges
Employees of the Regents institutions and community colleges may elect out of IPERS. If eligible to choose between IPERS and an alternative plan, they must choose the alternative plan within 60 days of hire (or of becoming eligible) or IPERS coverage becomes irrevocable. K-12 school district employees are not on this list. Member Handbook (2025), p. 5, Optional Membership
What changed on July 1, 2012
| Rule | Before July 1, 2012 | From July 1, 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Vesting | 4 years, or age 55 while working | 7 years, or age 65 while working |
| Average salary | Highest 3 years | Higher of the 2012 high-3 and your high-5 |
| Early cut | 3% a year, to your closest normal retirement date | 6% a year, to 65 |
The vesting and average-salary columns are by when you were vested or start benefits; the early cut is split by when you earned each year. Member Handbook (2025), p. 17, How to Become Vested Member Handbook (2025), pp. 41-42, Average Salary Member Handbook (2025), p. 35, Early Retirement; p. 42, Early-Retirement Reduction
What you and your employer pay
| Period | You | Employer | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 | 6.29% | 9.44% | 15.73% |
| July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 | 6.29% | 9.44% | 15.73% |
| July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2028 | 6.29% | 9.44% | 15.73% |
- Regular members pay 6.29% of covered wages and employers pay 9.44%, a total of 15.73%. That rate holds from July 2025 through June 2028. IPERS can change the total by no more than 1 percentage point a year.Member Handbook (2025), p. 11; IPERS web page Contribution Rates
Next: the benefit formula, the Rule of 88, or the calculator.
Common questions
Are Iowa teachers in IPERS?
Yes. IPERS covers most employees of Iowa's schools, teachers included. Unless you work in a sheriff or protection occupation job, you're a Regular member.
Does IPERS have tiers?
No. There's one Regular plan. But some rules changed on July 1, 2012: vesting, the average salary and the early-retirement cut.
Source: IPERS Member Handbook, Updated July 2025, pp. 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 17, 35, 41-42. Also: IPERS web pages. Last reviewed .