Chief Executive Officer Salary in Iowa
Based on 3K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$211,190
$101.53/hr
vs National Average
$212,619
-0.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$86K – $365K
3K employed in Iowa
Chief Executive Officer salary in Iowa averages $211,190 annually, with approximately 3,050 CEOs employed throughout the state. This median salary sits just 1% below the national average, positioning Iowa competitively within the broader executive compensation landscape. The salary range spans from $86,090 to $365,320, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and organizational factors.
Several factors influence Chief Executive Officer salary in Iowa, including company size, industry sector, years of experience, and organizational profitability. Larger corporations and established enterprises typically offer higher compensation packages, while smaller businesses may provide more modest salaries. Geographic location within Iowa, regional economic conditions, and specific industry performance also play important roles in determining executive compensation levels across the state.
Salary Distribution — Chief Executive Officer in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $86,090 |
| 25th percentile | $136,440 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $211,190 |
| 75th percentile | $331,660 |
| 90th percentile | $365,320 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chief Executive Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chief Executive Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chief Executive Officers in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $358,310 | 15K |
| Finance and Insurance | $316,050 | 17K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $311,120 | 680 |
| Information | $275,030 | 9K |
| Manufacturing | $263,290 | 11K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chief Executive Officer in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $147,950 |
| 2023 | $136,650 |
| 2024 | $178,530 |
| 2025 | $211,190 |
| 2026 (projected) | $223,861 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $147,950 | $168,969 |
| 2023 | $136,650 | $173,235 |
| 2024 | $178,530 | $176,421 |
| 2025 | $211,190 | $212,619 |
| 2026 (projected) | $223,861 | $225,376 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $136,440 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $211,190 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $331,660 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $365,320 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary in Other States
Related Chief Executive Officer Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Chief Executive Officer ($211,190 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chief Executive Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales Manager in IA | $134,010 | -36.5% | $64.43/hr |
| Marketing Manager in IA | $131,120 | -37.9% | $63.04/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in IA | $126,370 | -40.2% | $60.75/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in IA | $121,580 | -42.4% | $58.45/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in IA | $120,730 | -42.8% | $58.04/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in IA | $116,920 | -44.6% | $56.21/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in IA | $108,330 | -48.7% | $52.08/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in IA | $106,510 | -49.6% | $51.21/hr |
| Construction Manager in IA | $99,280 | -53.0% | $47.73/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in IA | $96,540 | -54.3% | $46.41/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in IA | $87,690 | -58.5% | $42.16/hr |
| Management Analyst in IA | $85,530 | -59.5% | $41.12/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do CEOs make in Iowa?
- The median salary for a CEO in Iowa is $211,190 per year, which translates to approximately $102 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 0.7%, making Iowa CEO compensation very competitive with the rest of the country.
What is the salary range for a CEO job in Iowa?
- CEO salaries in Iowa range from $86,090 at the lower end to $365,320 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in company size, industry, and experience level among Iowa's 3,050 employed CEOs.
How does Iowa CEO pay compare to the national average?
- Iowa CEO salaries are 0.7% below the national average, with the median being $211,190 annually. Despite this slight difference, Iowa remains competitive for executive compensation on a national scale.
How many CEOs work in Iowa?
- There are approximately 3,050 CEOs currently employed in Iowa. This represents a substantial executive workforce across the state's various industries and business sectors.