Marketing Managers in Iowa. BLS OES + DOL OFLC + reader-reported submissions. How this is built →
What the numbers say
Iowa's median for Marketing Managers came in at $128,150 in 2024, about 17% below the national median of $154,215. That gap is real, but it does not tell the whole story.
Iowa's cost of living runs roughly 10% below the national baseline. Once you account for what the money actually buys, the effective gap narrows to somewhere around 8%. A Marketing Manager earning the state median here stretches that paycheck further than the headline comparison suggests.
The spread across earners is wide. At the 10th percentile, pay starts around $79,060. By the 90th, it reaches $203,520. Top earners in Iowa make roughly 2.6 times what those at the bottom of the range do. That kind of range usually reflects differences in seniority, the size of the employer, and how close the role sits to revenue. A brand manager at a regional co-op and a VP of marketing at a financial services firm in Des Moines both fall inside this occupation code, which is part of why the numbers spread so far.
BLS projects employment for Marketing Managers to grow 6.6% between 2024 and 2034, a pace classified as faster than average. With about 2,210 positions in the state, Iowa's base is smaller than what you see in coastal metros, but the growth rate is consistent with the national trend.
Salary distribution
Where Iowa marketing managers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $103,550 and $166,830, with a median of $131,120.
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Marketing Managers pay by experience level in Iowa
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Marketing Managers in Iowa, by industry
Median offered wage across 3 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Education leads with a median of $82,000.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | MAHARISHI International UNIVERSITY | 1 | $82,000 |
| Manufacturing | Pella Corporation | 1 | $104,998 |
| Nonprofit and civic | Hip-Hope, Inc. | 1 | $116,002 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Iowa over the past 3 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2025 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
5 years or more
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.8 / 5
Sales and Marketing
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Administration and Management
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
- 3.9 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Identify, develop, or evaluate marketing strategy, based on knowledge of establishment objectives, market characteristics, and cost and markup factors.
- 02
Formulate, direct, or coordinate marketing activities or policies to promote products or services, working with advertising or promotion managers.
- 03
Evaluate the financial aspects of product development, such as budgets, expenditures, research and development appropriations, or return-on-investment and profit-loss projections.
- 04
Develop pricing strategies, balancing firm objectives and customer satisfaction.
- 05
Compile lists describing product or service offerings.
- 06
Direct the hiring, training, or performance evaluations of marketing or sales staff and oversee their daily activities.
- 07
Consult with product development personnel on product specifications, such as design, color, or packaging.
- 08
Use sales forecasting or strategic planning to ensure the sale and profitability of products, lines, or services, analyzing business developments and monitoring market trends.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+6.6%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Marketing Managers in Iowa?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Marketing Managers in Iowa is $131,120.
- How does Iowa compare to the national median for Marketing Managers?
- The Iowa median is -19.7% versus the BLS national figure of $163,329.
- What is the salary range for Marketing Managers in Iowa?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $80,160 and the 90th-percentile at $203,180, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Marketing Managers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 6.6% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Marketing Managers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.