Hospitality & Tourism Iowa City, IA Pop. 74,828

Restaurant Manager Salary in Iowa City, Iowa

The median restaurant manager salary in Iowa City, IA is $58,900 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$58,900
vs State Avg
+$3,720
vs National
$-3,100
Cost of Living
95%

Restaurant Manager Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median restaurant manager salary of $58,900, which is $3,720 above the Iowa state average of $55,180. Compared to the national median of $62,000, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% 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 Iowa City spans from $36,100 at the 10th percentile to $93,100 at the 90th percentile — a $57,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,000, while senior restaurant managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,400. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $38,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,000
$-2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,800
$-3,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,400
$-4,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa City, IA

Percentile Iowa City
10th Percentile $36,100
25th Percentile $45,600
Median (50th) $58,900
75th Percentile $76,000
90th Percentile $93,100

Restaurant Manager Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Des Moines, IA
$57,040
Pop. 214,133
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 Iowa City

Education

Most restaurant manager positions require a high school diploma. Iowa City 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 Iowa City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Restaurant Manager Jobs in Iowa City

Browse open restaurant manager positions in Iowa City, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Iowa City, IA? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $58,900 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $36,100 (10th percentile) to $93,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Iowa City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,900, a restaurant manager in Iowa City earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for restaurant manager pay? ▼
Iowa City's median restaurant manager salary of $58,900 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $55,180. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼
Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a restaurant manager salary of $58,900 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager in Iowa City? ▼
Most restaurant manager positions in Iowa City 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.