Retail Manager Salary in Iowa City, IA: $47,880 (2026)

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

Iowa City offers a median retail manager salary of $47,880, which is $3,024 above the Iowa state average of $44,856. Compared to the national median of $50,400, 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 retail managers in Iowa City spans from $28,500 at the 10th percentile to $87,400 at the 90th percentile — a $58,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,400, while senior retail managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,750. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Retail Manager Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level retail manager earns around $30,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$30,400

$-1,600 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$49,400

$-2,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$80,750

$-4,250 vs national

Percentile	Iowa City	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$28,500	$26,700	$30,000
25th Percentile	$36,100	$33,820	$38,000
Median (50th)	$47,880	$44,856	$50,400
75th Percentile	$66,500	$62,300	$70,000
90th Percentile	$87,400	$81,880	$92,000

Percentile

Iowa City

10th Percentile

$28,500

25th Percentile

$36,100

Median (50th)

$47,880

75th Percentile

$66,500

90th Percentile

$87,400

How to Become a Retail Manager in Iowa City

Education

Most retail manager positions require a high school diploma. Iowa City and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Retail ManagementSalesInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceStaff TrainingVisual Merchandising

Job Outlook

Nationally, retail manager employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Iowa City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Retail Manager Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Retail Manager make in Iowa City, IA? ▼

The median retail manager salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $47,880 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $50,400. Salaries range from $28,500 (10th percentile) to $87,400 (90th percentile).

How much does a Retail Manager make per hour in Iowa City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $47,880, a retail manager in Iowa City earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for retail manager pay? ▼

Iowa City's median retail manager salary of $47,880 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $44,856. 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 retail manager salary of $47,880 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a retail manager in Iowa City? ▼

Most retail manager positions in Iowa City require a high school diploma. Key skills include Retail Management, Sales, Inventory Management, Customer Service. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.

Retail Manager Salary in Iowa City, Iowa