Hospitality & Tourism Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Restaurant Manager Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median restaurant manager salary in Des Moines, IA is $57,040 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$57,040
vs State Avg
+$1,860
vs National
$-4,960
Cost of Living
92%

Restaurant Manager Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median restaurant manager salary of $57,040, which is $1,860 above the Iowa state average of $55,180. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for restaurant managers in Des Moines spans from $34,960 at the 10th percentile to $90,160 at the 90th percentile — a $55,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,800, while senior restaurant managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,640. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $36,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,880
$-5,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,640
$-7,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $34,960
25th Percentile $44,160
Median (50th) $57,040
75th Percentile $73,600
90th Percentile $90,160

Restaurant Manager Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$58,900
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$54,560
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$53,320
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$52,080
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Des Moines

Education

Most restaurant manager positions require a high school diploma. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Food Service ManagementStaff SupervisionCost ControlCustomer ServiceHealth & SafetyPOS Systems

Job Outlook

Nationally, restaurant manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Restaurant Manager Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open restaurant manager positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $57,040 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $34,960 (10th percentile) to $90,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,040, a restaurant manager in Des Moines earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for restaurant manager pay? ▼
Des Moines's median restaurant manager salary of $57,040 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $55,180. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a restaurant manager salary of $57,040 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager in Des Moines? ▼
Most restaurant manager positions in Des Moines require a high school diploma. Key skills include Food Service Management, Staff Supervision, Cost Control, Customer Service. The job market is projected to grow 10% nationally over the next decade.