Iowa's family offices hold wealth from agriculture, farmland, insurance and food companies, with most based in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.
The family office landscape in Iowa
Family offices in Iowa are concentrated in and around:
- Des Moines
- Cedar Rapids
Where family office candidates come from in Iowa
Des Moines's large insurance and financial services sector is the main source of accountants and operations staff.
Across the state, accountants and auditors earn an average of $83,640, 12% below the US average of $94,750 and #38 of 51. Financial managers average $149,730, 20% below the US average of $186,910 (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025). Family offices usually pay above these averages to win experienced people.
Family office salaries in Iowa
| Role | Base salary in IA | Typical bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Family Office Controller | $160K–$220K | 15–25% |
| Family Office Accountant | $85K–$130K | 5–15% |
| Family Office Tax Manager | $135K–$190K | 10–20% |
| Family Office CFO | $275K–$435K | 25–50% |
| Family Office Chief of Staff | $135K–$230K | 15–30% |
| Family Office Operations Manager | $120K–$180K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Executive Assistant | $80K–$135K | 10–20% |
| Family Office Payroll Manager | $100K–$135K | 5–15% |
Our estimates for a single family office managing $250M–$1B, adjusted for Iowa using BLS pay levels for accountants and financial managers (9% below the national midpoint). Try the salary calculator for other office sizes.
Taxes, trusts and the law in Iowa
Iowa has moved to a flat income tax and repealed its inheritance tax, which simplifies planning for farmland families.
How Iowa compares with nearby states
| State | Accountant avg. (BLS) | Financial manager avg. (BLS) | Family office controller (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $83,640 | $149,730 | $160K–$220K |
| Kansas | $86,130 | $171,510 | $165K–$230K |
| Minnesota | $94,060 | $176,560 | $170K–$235K |
| Missouri | $83,180 | $163,820 | $165K–$225K |
| Nebraska | $77,660 | $155,410 | $160K–$215K |
| North Dakota | $80,090 | $153,130 | $160K–$215K |
| South Dakota | $85,030 | $172,430 | $165K–$230K |
What this means for hiring in Iowa
Accountant pay in Iowa ranks #38 of 51, below the national average. That makes a well-paid family office role attractive locally, and candidates relocating from higher-cost states will sometimes trade a little base salary for quality of life. State taxes in Iowa are moderate, so pay conversations usually center on base salary and bonus rather than tax. With a smaller local finance community, the strongest candidates for Iowa often live elsewhere. Plan on a recruiter-led search, and budget for relocation on senior roles.
Family office questions for Iowa
Why do Iowa family offices focus on farmland?
Many Iowa fortunes are built on agriculture, so family offices often manage farmland, ag businesses and the succession planning that comes with them.
How much do family office jobs pay in Iowa?
We estimate a family office controller in Iowa earns about $160K–$220K base and an accountant about $85K–$130K. For context, accountants and auditors in Iowa earn an average of $83,640 across all employers, 12% below the US average (BLS, May 2025).
Where are family offices in Iowa?
Mostly around Des Moines, Cedar Rapids.
Does Iowa have a state income tax on wages?
Yes. Iowa has moved to a flat income tax and repealed its inheritance tax, which simplifies planning for farmland families.