Iowa State Fair Salary

As of September 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Iowa State Fair in the United States is $93,086. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $45. Salaries at Iowa State Fair typically range from $81,711 to $105,624 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Is Iowa State Fair’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Iowa State Fair's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Gymnopedie Ii Ltd $97,400
+4.6%
Data suggests Gymnopedie Ii Ltd's workforce skews heavily towards veteran, high-tenure roles.
Sno-King Kirkland $105,659
+13.5%
Adjusted for higher cost-of-living indices in Sno-King Kirkland's primary metro hubs.
Bristol Bears $85,154
-8.5%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where Bristol Bears primarily operates.
Sarasota Swim Kids LLC $90,882
-2.4%
Reflects stabilized pricing equilibrium for commercial construction roles in this region.
Hospitality & Leisure Industry $122,562
+31.7%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Iowa State Fair

Considering a career at Iowa State Fair? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
This company truly invests in its employees. Training is adequate, though more specialized programs could be beneficial. Career growth is encouraged, and the work environment is positive. The leadership is strong, and the team is motivated. Good work-life balance.
Consistent workflow. The team is professional, and the work is structured. The company also emphasizes sustainability, which I appreciate. The team is collaborative, and management is approachable. For anyone passionate about hospitality, this is a great workplace. Overall, it’s a fair place to work with reasonable expectations. It’s a great place to grow. The hospitality sector can be unpredictab...
The work culture is positive, and management is approachable. The work environment is fast-paced but rewarding, with recognition for hard work. I highly recommend this workplace for anyone in the hospitality industry. This is a solid place to build a career. The leadership team is accessible, and career advancement opportunities are available for those who seek them.

Iowa State Fair Overview

Website
www.iowastatefair.org
Founded In
1854
Employees
50 - 100 employees
Industry
Hospitality & Leisure
Headquarter Address
3000 E Grand Ave Des Moines Iowa IA 50317
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 5152623111
Social Media
About Iowa State Fair
The Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines is Iowas great celebration, a salute to the states best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement.

What Benefits Does Iowa State Fair Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Iowa State Fair offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Des Moines?

Understanding the cost of living near Des Moines is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Iowa State Fair.
Des Moines' Cost of Living Index is approximately 80.8 (19.2% less expensive than US average; 10.1% less than IA average). State capital, affordable housing, growing. DART bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from Iowa State Fair, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $850 - $1,300+ A significant portion of Iowa State Fair salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $130 - $220 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $48 (DART monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $370 - $550 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $330 - $600+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $350 - $650+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,078 - $3,328+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Iowa State Fair

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Iowa State Fair?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Iowa State Fair is approximately from $81,711 to $105,624. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. How much does Iowa State Fair pay compared to Gymnopedie Ii Ltd?

The average annual salary at Iowa State Fair is $93,086, or an hourly wage of $45, in comparison to Gymnopedie Ii Ltd which pays $97,400 per year or $47 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Iowa State Fair?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Iowa State Fair due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. How does experience level affect salary at Iowa State Fair?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Iowa State Fair, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Iowa State Fair in Des Moines is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Iowa State Fair in Des Moines is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Iowa State Fair and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Des Moines" to understand its purchasing power.

6. Are the salaries listed for Iowa State Fair on Salary.com pre-tax or after-tax?

All salary figures displayed for Iowa State Fair, including average base salary and estimated total compensation, are pre-tax amounts. They do not account for federal, state, or local income taxes, nor deductions for benefits like health insurance or 401(k) contributions.