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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief Executive in Iowa is $197,921 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $95.
However, a Chief Executive's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Chief Executive Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $219,554 | $18,296 | $4,222 | $106 |
| Average | $197,921 | $16,493 | $3,806 | $95 |
| 25th Percentile | $183,789 | $15,316 | $3,534 | $88 |
Confidential - Des Moines, IA
Confidential - Carroll, IA
Salem Health Hospitals & Clinics - North Liberty, IA
Confidential - Des Moines, IA
A Chief Executive'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 Chief Executive'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 |
|---|---|
| Budgeting... Level Chief Executive | $110,916 |
| Budget Ma... Level Chief Executive | $124,782 |
| Budget Se... Level Chief Executive | $163,465 |
| Chief Exe... Level Chief Executive | $193,414 |
| VP of Bud... Level Chief Executive | $231,305 |
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 Chief Executives. 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 Chief Executive roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Chief Executive positions in Insurance or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chief Executive as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $277,089 | $133.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $257,297 | $124.0 | 30% |
| Business Services | $247,401 | $119.0 | 25% |
| Chemicals | $237,505 | $114.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $227,609 | $109.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Chief Executive'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 | $219,554 | $18,296 | $4,222 | $106 |
| Average | $197,921 | $16,493 | $3,806 | $95 |
| 25th Percentile | $183,789 | $15,316 | $3,534 | $88 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chief Executive job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Confidential
Des Moines, IA
Confidential | Des Moines, IA
Chief Executive Officer (CEO). About the Company. Well-regarded public media network. Industry. Broadcast Media. Type. Non Profit. Founded. 2004. Employees... more
9 Days Ago
Confidential
Des Moines, IA
Confidential | Des Moines, IA
Chief Executive Officer (CEO). About the Company. Manufacturer of fixed gas detection systems. Industry. Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing. Type. Private... more
10 Days Ago
MercyOne
Clive, IA
MercyOne | Clive, IA
MercyOne seeks a Chief Strategy Officer to lead strategic planning, business development and population health efforts across its health network. The role ... more
9 Days Ago
One Vision
Clear Lake, IA
One Vision | Clear Lake, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Location: Clear Lake, Iowa Reports to: One Vision Board of Directors Classification: Exempt, Full-TimeAbout One VisionOne... more
8 Days Ago
SimVentions, Inc
MONTCLAIR, VA
SimVentions, Inc | MONTCLAIR, VA
SimVentions, Inc., an employee-owned defense engineering and technology company, is seeking an Executive Assistant to support the Executive Leadership Team... more
6 Days Ago
SimVentions, Inc
ENON, VA
SimVentions, Inc | ENON, VA
SimVentions, Inc., an employee-owned defense engineering and technology company, is seeking an Executive Assistant to support the Executive Leadership Team... more
6 Days Ago
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