Compensation & Benefits Specialist Salary in Iowa City
Manages employee pay structures, benefits programs, and job classification systems.
Iowa City ranks #324 of 530 U.S. metro areas for compensation & benefits specialist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $3,061 below the national average.
Iowa City vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $47,195 | $50,256 | $-3,061 | -6.1% |
| Level II | $59,010 | $61,931 | $-2,921 | -4.7% |
| Level III (Mid) | $70,803 | $73,605 | $-2,802 | -3.8% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $82,618 | $85,280 | $-2,662 | -3.1% |
Other metros in Iowa
| Metro Area | Level I | Level IV | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids | $51,730 | $91,686 | $78,499 |
| Omaha | $50,606 | $90,085 | $77,064 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $52,478 | $84,490 | $73,923 |
| Dubuque | $49,421 | $84,843 | $73,154 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $48,818 | $82,451 | $71,365 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average compensation & benefits specialist salary in Iowa City?
The average compensation & benefits specialist salary in Iowa City is $70,928 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Iowa City at rank #324 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level compensation & benefits specialists earn in Iowa City?
Entry-level compensation & benefits specialists (Level I) in Iowa City earn $47,195 per year. Level II (early career) earns $59,010, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Iowa City compare to the national average for compensation & benefits specialist salaries?
Iowa City ranks #324 of 530 U.S. metro areas for compensation & benefits specialist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $3,061 below the national average. The national average compensation & benefits specialist salary is $73,722, while Iowa City workers average $70,928 — a difference of -4% overall.
Data source: Salary data sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, which surveys employers nationwide to collect wage data by occupation and geography. The four experience levels reflect DOL standardized tiers. Data reflects the most recently published survey cycle. SOC code: 13-1141.