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What is the average salary in Des Moines, IA?

The average salary in Des Moines, IA is $74,714 per year.

In Des Moines, IA, job seekers can find a variety of salary options across different industries. The average yearly salary stands at $74,714. This indicates a wide range of opportunities for professionals.

Some of the highest paying jobs in Des Moines include:

  • Software Developer: $127,982
  • Data Scientist: $144,895
  • Mechanical Engineer: $121,068
  • Registered Nurse: $77,241
  • Elementary School Teacher: $43,414
View jobs in Des Moines, IA

What are the best paying jobs in Des Moines, IA?

Des Moines offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. The list includes roles such as physicians, general dentists, and finance managers, all of which provide competitive salaries. Other top-paying positions include solution architects, actuaries, and architects, allowing job seekers to find roles that match their expertise and career goals. These jobs not only promise good pay but also offer opportunities for growth and stability in Des Moines.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Des Moines, IA, highlighting Physician with the highest at $265,589 and Business Consultant with the lowest at $139,517.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $265,589
    Offering healthcare services in medical institutions, this role involves diagnosing and treating patients. Physicians work in places like MercyOne and Broadlawns Medical Center, providing essential medical care.
    Find Physician jobs in Des Moines, IA


  2. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $265,081
    Providing dental care, this position involves examining, cleaning, and treating patients' teeth. Dentists work in private practices and clinics, focusing on oral health.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Des Moines, IA


  3. Solution Architect
    Average Salary: $163,011
    Designing software and IT solutions, this role involves planning and implementing technology strategies. Solution Architects work with companies like Des Moines-based software firms and tech companies.
    Find Solution Architect jobs in Des Moines, IA


  4. Actuary
    Average Salary: $162,859
    Analyzing data to assess risk, this role requires statistical skills. Actuaries work for insurance companies and finance firms, ensuring accurate risk assessments.
    Find Actuary jobs in Des Moines, IA


  5. Finance Manager
    Average Salary: $152,529
    Overseeing financial operations, this role involves budgeting and financial planning. Finance Managers work in corporations and local businesses, managing financial resources.
    Find Finance Manager jobs in Des Moines, IA


  6. MRI Technologist
    Average Salary: $145,464
    Operating MRI machines, this role requires technical skills. Technologists work in hospitals and imaging centers, ensuring accurate diagnostic imaging.
    Find MRI Technologist jobs in Des Moines, IA


  7. Architect
    Average Salary: $145,379
    Designing buildings, this role involves creating blueprints and overseeing construction. Architects work with firms and local government, creating innovative designs.
    Find Architect jobs in Des Moines, IA


  8. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $141,845
    Filling prescriptions and advising patients, this role requires extensive knowledge of medications. Pharmacists work in pharmacies, ensuring safe and effective medication use.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Des Moines, IA


  9. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $140,400
    Providing primary and specialized care, this role requires advanced nursing skills. Nurse Practitioners work in clinics and hospitals, offering comprehensive healthcare services.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Des Moines, IA


  10. Business Consultant
    Average Salary: $139,517
    Offering advice to improve business operations, this role involves analyzing data and providing strategic recommendations. Consultants work with local businesses and corporations, enhancing efficiency.
    Find Business Consultant jobs in Des Moines, IA

What are the best paying jobs in Des Moines, IA without a degree?

Job seekers in Des Moines can find high-paying positions without a college degree. Roles like Concrete Finisher, Irrigation Technician, and Concrete Laborer offer good pay. They also provide solid career opportunities. Concrete Finishers top the list with an average salary of $53,507. Irrigation Technicians and Concrete Laborers follow closely, earning $49,081 and $48,404 respectively. These jobs show that skilled work can lead to a comfortable income. They also offer a chance to work in different areas of construction and maintenance.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Des Moines, IA without a degree, highlighting Concrete Finisher with the highest at $53,507 and Food Service Aide with the lowest at $36,628.
  1. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $53,507
    Shape and smooth concrete for new buildings. Work for companies like Des Moines Construction or local construction firms. The outdoor environment and physical demands match this city's seasonal climate.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Des Moines, IA


  2. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $49,081
    Install and maintain irrigation systems for landscapes and farms. Companies like Des Moines Irrigation employ skilled workers. The job involves both hands-on work and the use of various tools and equipment.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Des Moines, IA


  3. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $48,404
    Help pour and smooth concrete on construction sites. Work with local firms like Iowa Concrete. The job involves a lot of physical labor, fitting for the city's construction scene.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Des Moines, IA


  4. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $47,493
    Distribute flyers and gather information for surveys. Companies like Des Moines Marketing hire canvassers. The role involves talking to people and walking around the city's neighborhoods.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Des Moines, IA


  5. Painter Helper
    Average Salary: $41,880
    Assist professional painters on residential and commercial jobs. Work with local painting contractors. The role involves tasks like preparing surfaces and handling tools.
    Find Painter Helper jobs in Des Moines, IA


  6. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $41,307
    Maintain lawns and gardens for homes and businesses. Companies like Greenspace Landscape offer landscaping jobs. The job involves a lot of outdoor work, fitting for the city's parks and gardens.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Des Moines, IA


  7. Grounds/Maintenance Specialist
    Average Salary: $40,000
    Maintain and repair outdoor areas for businesses and institutions. Work with local property management companies. The role involves tasks like mowing lawns and trimming shrubs.
    Find Grounds/Maintenance Specialist jobs in Des Moines, IA


  8. Server
    Average Salary: $38,267
    Serve food and drinks to customers in restaurants. Work at popular spots like The Star Cafe or local diners. The role involves interacting with customers and handling orders quickly.
    Find Server jobs in Des Moines, IA


  9. Loader
    Average Salary: $36,718
    Load and unload materials from trucks and storage areas. Work for companies involved in logistics and transport. The job involves a lot of physical labor and teamwork.
    Find Loader jobs in Des Moines, IA


  10. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $36,628
    Assist in preparing and serving food in restaurants and cafeterias. Work at local eateries and institutions. The role involves tasks like setting up tables and washing dishes.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Des Moines, IA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Des Moines, IA?

Companies in Des Moines offer many opportunities for professionals seeking good pay. PwC tops the list with an average salary of $181,676, making it one of the best-paying employers in the area. GIS Healthcare, Deloitte, and Nationwide also provide competitive salaries, ranging from $123,009 to $149,839. Focus Staff, Fidelity On Call, Ltd, Microsoft, Nomad Health, Wells Fargo, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also offer attractive compensation packages. Salaries at these companies range from $112,783 to $133,422. These employers provide a good chance for job seekers to find rewarding and financially beneficial positions in Des Moines.
Graph displaying company salaries in Des Moines, IA, highlighting PwC with the highest at $181,676 and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs with the lowest at $112,783.
  1. PwC
    Average Salary: $181,676
    PwC offers a wide range of professional services. They focus on assurance, consulting, and tax services. Many job seekers find PwC appealing due to its global presence and opportunities for career growth.


  2. GIS Healthcare
    Average Salary: $149,839
    GIS Healthcare provides healthcare solutions to clients. They work in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The company values innovation and has a strong reputation in the industry.


  3. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $143,945
    Deloitte is a multinational professional services firm. They offer audit, consulting, financial advisory, and tax services. Deloitte is known for its diverse work culture and opportunities for professional development.


  4. Nationwide
    Average Salary: $143,071
    Nationwide offers insurance and financial services. They provide life, auto, and home insurance. The company values its employees and offers a supportive work environment with many growth opportunities.


  5. Focus Staff
    Average Salary: $133,422
    Focus Staff specializes in staffing solutions for healthcare professionals. They connect top talent with leading healthcare institutions. The company is known for its commitment to quality and client satisfaction.


  6. Fidelity On Call, Ltd
    Average Salary: $127,880
    Fidelity On Call, Ltd is a staffing agency focusing on healthcare. They match professionals with healthcare facilities across the country. They offer competitive salaries and flexible work options.


  7. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $124,986
    Microsoft is a global technology company known for its software products. They offer roles in software development, cloud computing, and more. The company values innovation and provides many opportunities for career advancement.


  8. Nomad Health
    Average Salary: $123,009
    Nomad Health connects healthcare professionals with job opportunities nationwide. They focus on locum tenens, permanent placements, and contract staffing. The company values flexibility and quality care.


  9. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $122,026
    Wells Fargo provides banking and financial services. They offer roles in retail banking, wealth management, and more. The company values diversity and offers many opportunities for professional development.


  10. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
    Average Salary: $112,783
    The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides healthcare and benefits to veterans. They offer roles in medical care, administration, and more. The department values service and offers job security with competitive benefits.

How does the cost of living in Des Moines, IA compare to the national average?

Des Moines, IA, offers a cost of living that is 8% below the nationwide average, making housing and transportation notably more affordable. For instance, housing costs stand at 82 on a scale where the national average is 100. Groceries, utilities, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also remain slightly below the national average, ranging from 90 to 95. This data suggests that Des Moines provides a cost-effective environment for those looking to settle or relocate.
Cost of living comparison graph for Des Moines, IA vs. Nationwide: housing 18% lower, groceries 10% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 13% lower, healthcare 11% lower, miscellaneous 8% lower.

Des Moines, IA, stands out with a cost of living index that is generally lower than the nationwide average. The housing index, for example, is at 82, showing that living expenses for housing are 18% lower than the average. Similarly, the transportation index of 87 indicates a 13% reduction in costs compared to the national average. While these lower costs make Des Moines an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals, it is important to consider other factors as well.


The cost of groceries in Des Moines is slightly above the national average. With a groceries index of 90, this means grocery expenses are 10% higher than the nationwide norm. Utilities in Des Moines also reflect a minor increase, standing at 95, which is 5% higher. Healthcare costs, however, align closely with the national average, sitting at an index of 89, indicating just a 1% reduction in expenses. Additionally, miscellaneous expenses reflect a modest increase, with an index of 92, showing a 2% rise. This balanced view helps potential residents understand the overall cost landscape in Des Moines.

There are 2,650 job openings in Des Moines, IA, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Des Moines, IA

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City
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Des Moines, IA
2,650 Job Openings