Compensation & Benefits Specialist Salary in Southeast Iowa

Manages employee pay structures, benefits programs, and job classification systems.

Ranks #492 of 530 metros·Iowa·$59,696 avg

Southeast Iowa ranks #492 of 530 U.S. metro areas for compensation & benefits specialist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $5,515 below the national average.

Level I
$44,741
vs national avg: -11%
Level II
$52,187
vs national avg: -16%
Level III
$59,634
vs national avg: -19%
Level IV
$67,080
vs national avg: -21%

Southeast Iowa vs National Average

LevelThis MetroNational AvgDifference% Change
Level I (Entry)$44,741$50,256$-5,515-11.0%
Level II$52,187$61,931$-9,744-15.7%
Level III (Mid)$59,634$73,605$-13,971-19.0%
Level IV (Senior)$67,080$85,280$-18,200-21.3%

Other metros in Iowa

Metro AreaLevel ILevel IVAverage
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 Southeast Iowa?

The average compensation & benefits specialist salary in Southeast Iowa is $59,696 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Southeast Iowa at rank #492 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.

What do entry-level compensation & benefits specialists earn in Southeast Iowa?

Entry-level compensation & benefits specialists (Level I) in Southeast Iowa earn $44,741 per year. Level II (early career) earns $52,187, reflecting growing independence and experience.

How does Southeast Iowa compare to the national average for compensation & benefits specialist salaries?

Southeast Iowa ranks #492 of 530 U.S. metro areas for compensation & benefits specialist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $5,515 below the national average. The national average compensation & benefits specialist salary is $73,722, while Southeast Iowa workers average $59,696 — a difference of -19% 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.