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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a People Manager in Iowa is $112,952 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.
However, a People Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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People Manager Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $122,665 | $10,222 | $2,359 | $59 |
| Average | $112,952 | $9,413 | $2,172 | $54 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,226 | $8,186 | $1,889 | $47 |
Legacy Healthcare - West Des Moines, IA
Carroll Construction Supply - Ottumwa, IA
Gecko Hospitality - Dubuque, IA
Q Casino + Resort - Dubuque, IA
A People Manager's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a People Manager's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Employee ... Level People Manager | $94,587 |
| Employee ... Level People Manager | $107,836 |
| People Ma... Level People Manager | $116,020 |
| Employee ... Level People Manager | $159,428 |
| VP of Emp... Level People Manager | $187,129 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract People Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For People Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, People Manager positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view People Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $135,542 | $65.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $135,542 | $65.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $135,542 | $65.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $135,542 | $65.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $135,542 | $65.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a People Manager's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $122,665 | $10,222 | $2,359 | $59 |
| Average | $112,952 | $9,413 | $2,172 | $54 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,226 | $8,186 | $1,889 | $47 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current People Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Van Meter Inc.
Cedar Rapids, IA
Van Meter Inc. | Cedar Rapids, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Reports to. Chief People Officer. At Van Meter, we believe our people are our differentiator. We've built a ... more
3 Days Ago
Navigate Wellbeing Solutions
West Des Moines, IA
Navigate Wellbeing Solutions | West Des Moines, IA
Job Description. Job Description. People and Culture Generalist. Department. People and Culture. Manager. Director, People and Culture. Classification. Exe... more
4 Days Ago
Confidential
Dubuque, IA
Confidential | Dubuque, IA
Vice President of People & Culture. About the Company. Premier gaming and hospitality organization with casinos, luxury hotels, restaurants, and entertainm... more
11 Days Ago
Confidential
Des Moines, IA
Confidential | Des Moines, IA
Vice President of People & Culture. About the Company. National chemical manufacturing organization with multi-site operations focused on safety and compli... more
25 Days Ago
Confidential
Dubuque, IA
Confidential | Dubuque, IA
Vice President of People & Culture. About the Company. Premier gaming and hospitality organization with casinos, luxury hotels, restaurants, and entertainm... more
2 Days Ago
Confidential
Des Moines, IA
Confidential | Des Moines, IA
Vice President of People & Culture. About the Company. National chemical manufacturing organization with multi-site operations focused on safety and compli... more
5 Days Ago
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