Restaurant Manager Salary in Iowa
The median restaurant manager salary in Iowa is $55,180 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $62,000.
Restaurant Manager Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)
Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for restaurant manager compensation. Restaurant Manager salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $55,180 per year, restaurant managers in Iowa earn $6,820 less than the national median of $62,000.
A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $55,180 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $62,000 in an average-cost area.
The salary spread in Iowa is significant: restaurant managers at the 10th percentile earn $33,820, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $87,220 — a $53,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Iowa for this role is Iowa City, where the median reaches $58,900.
Nationally, restaurant manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for restaurant managers across the country.
Restaurant Manager Salary in Iowa by Experience
In Iowa, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $35,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,880 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.
Save More on Student Loans
Earning $55,180? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.
Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →Salary Percentiles in Iowa
| Percentile | IA Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,820 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,720 |
| Median (50th) | $55,180 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $87,220 |
Restaurant Manager Salary by City in Iowa
The largest employment areas for restaurant managers in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.
How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Iowa
Education
Most restaurant manager positions require a high school diploma. Iowa has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook in Iowa
Nationally, restaurant manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.
Stand Out from the Competition
85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 362,600 other Restaurant Managers.
Get a Professional Resume →Open to Restaurant Manager Roles in Iowa?
Get matched with recruiters hiring restaurant managers in Iowa at competitive salaries.
Or browse positions directly: