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Compensation Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

OSHA and Worker Compensation Management JOB KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: * Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Hygiene, Occupational or Industrial Safety or related field is required. Certified ...

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Compensation Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$33.3K

$107.8K

$159.2K

How much do compensation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for compensation manager in Iowa is $107,762.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,200.00 and $124,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a compensation manager?

A compensation manager is part of a corporate HR team which researches and develops the pay policies in a company. They use research to help determine fair pay scales for all the company employees. Duties include helping the business with recruiting and integrating new employees. At a small company, they might be responsible for all aspects of the pay system, while at a larger company they may have specific responsibilities, such as doing market research or surveying workers.

What is the difference between Compensation Manager vs Compensation Analyst?

AspectCompensation ManagerCompensation Analyst
CredentialsBachelor's degree, often HR or Business; certifications like CCP or CBPBachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related; certifications like CCP beneficial
Work EnvironmentOversees compensation strategies, manages teams, collaborates with HR leadershipAnalyzes salary data, prepares reports, supports compensation programs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large organizations across various industriesCommon in HR departments, especially in finance, healthcare, and tech sectors

The Compensation Manager focuses on developing and managing overall compensation strategies, policies, and team leadership. In contrast, the Compensation Analyst primarily conducts data analysis, prepares reports, and supports compensation program implementation. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities within the compensation function.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a compensation manager?

To thrive as a Compensation Manager, you need expertise in compensation analysis, benefits administration, and compliance, often supported by a degree in human resources or business and relevant certifications such as CCP (Certified Compensation Professional). Familiarity with HRIS systems, data analytics tools, and compensation benchmarking software is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you design competitive pay structures and collaborate with stakeholders. These skills ensure fair, data-driven compensation practices that support employee satisfaction and organizational goals.

What degree do you need to be a compensation manager?

A compensation manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, finance, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or professional certifications such as the Certified Compensation Professional (CCP). Relevant skills include data analysis, knowledge of compensation laws, and experience with HR software.

What are some common challenges compensation managers face when designing competitive pay structures?

Compensation Managers often navigate the challenge of balancing internal equity, market competitiveness, and budget constraints when designing pay structures. They must ensure that compensation packages attract and retain top talent while staying compliant with regulations and maintaining fairness across the organization. Additionally, Compensation Managers regularly analyze market data, manage employee expectations, and collaborate with HR and leadership to support organizational goals. These complexities require strong analytical skills, communication, and the ability to adapt to changing market trends.
What are the most commonly searched types of Compensation jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Compensation jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Compensation Manager jobs in Iowa? For Compensation Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Compensation Manager jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Compensation Manager jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Compensation Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Compensation Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Compensation Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,762 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Assistant Director - Asset Management Compensation

Principal Financial Group

Des Moines, IA โ€ข On-site, Remote

$141K - $213K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

What You'll Do
We're looking for a strategic and collaborative compensation leader to join our Total Rewards team as an Assistant Director of Global Compensation. In this role, you'll help shape how we attract, reward, and retain talent across our global asset management businesses. You'll partner closely with business leaders and HR teams around the world to design compensation programs that are aligned to performance, market trends, and business strategy.This is a highly visible role with the opportunity to influence senior leaders, design innovative compensation solutions, and operate in a dynamic, global environment.
You'll have the opportunity to:
Compensation Strategy & Design
  • Design and evolve global compensation programs, including base pay, annual incentives, and long-term incentives
  • Help shape compensation approaches that align to business performance, growth, and talent needs
  • Bring forward ideas and insights to ensure our programs remain competitive and forward-looking

Partner with Global Leaders
  • Act as a trusted advisor to leaders across asset management
  • Provide guidance on complex and high-impact compensation decisions
  • Work across regions and teams to ensure alignment in a global, matrixed organization

Drive Insight-Based Decisions
  • Use market data, industry insights, and internal analytics to develop clear, actionable recommendations
  • Present findings and recommendations to senior leaders and governance groups
  • Help leaders understand trade-offs and make informed compensation decisions

Support Global Programs & Governance
  • Partner with HR, Finance, Legal, and Compliance to ensure programs are consistent, scalable, and compliant globally
  • Contribute to the annual compensation cycle, including salary planning and incentive processes
  • Support ongoing enhancements to how we structure, manage, and communicate compensation

Lead & Develop Others
  • Provide coaching and guidance to team members and colleagues
  • Share expertise and elevate the broader team's compensation design capability
  • Serve as a go-to resource for complex or sensitive compensation topics

Principal Asset Management is the global investment solutions business for Principal Financial Groupยฎ (Nasdaq: PFG), managing about $740 billion in assets and over 60 years of experience. Principal Asset Management has been recognized as a "Best Places to Work in Money Management" for 14 consecutive years! Check us out at www.principalam.com!
Who You Are
  • 6-8+ years of experience in investment management compensation, total rewards, or related HR consulting roles
  • Strong experience in investment management compensation design and business-facing advisory
  • Ability to operate effectively in a global, matrixed environment
  • Proven ability to influence and partner with senior leaders
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

What Will Help You Succeed
  • You think strategically and connect compensation to business outcomes
  • You are comfortable navigating complex stakeholder environments
  • You can translate data into clear, compelling insights
  • You build strong relationships and are seen as a trusted partner

Why Join Us
At Principal, we're committed to helping people build financial security-and that starts with our employees. You'll join a team that values collaboration, innovation, and meaningful impact, with the opportunity to shape how compensation supports our global growth.
Additional Details
  • Location: Flexible / Global team environment
  • Travel: Limited (โ‰ˆ5%)

Salary Range Information
Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.
Salary Range
$141000 - $213000 / year
Time Off Program
Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and provides the opportunity to take time away from the office with pay for vacation, personal or short-term illness. Employees don't accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided.
Pension Eligible
Yes
Additional Information
Work Environments
This role offers in-office, hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek), and remote work arrangements (only if residing more than 30 miles from Des Moines, IA.) .You'll work with your leader to figure out which option may align best based on several factors.
Job Level
We'll consider talent at the next level with the right experiences and skills.
Work Authorization/Sponsorship
  • At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs please use the following links.
  • Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants

Investment Code of Ethics
  • For Principal Asset Management positions, you'll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct as well as personal trading activities for you and members of your household. These same requirements may also apply to other positions across the organization.

Experience Principal
  • At Principal, we value connecting on both a personal and professional level. Together, we're imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services - and that starts with you. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees. And we support our employees the same way we support our customers: with comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being. Check out our careers site to learn more about our purpose, values and benefits.

Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer
  • All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Posting Window
We will accept applications for 3 full days following the Original Posting Date, after which the posting may remain open or be removed based upon applications received. If we choose to post the job again, we will accept additional applications for at least 1 full day following the Most Recently Posted Date. Please submit applications in a timely manner as there is no guarantee the posting will be available beyond the applicable deadline.
Date First Posted (TTF)
5/15/2026
Latest Post Date: Careers - US
5/15/2026
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