Overview Salaries

Salaries in Des Moines, IA

Updated on Jul 10, 2026
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What is the average salary in Des Moines, IA?

The average salary in Des Moines, IA is $75,175 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Des Moines, IA, showing an average salary of $75,175 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Des Moines, IA, showing an average salary of $6,265 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Des Moines, IA, showing an average salary of $1,446 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Des Moines, IA, showing an average salary of $36 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Des Moines, IA, offers a diverse job market with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area stands at $75,175, making it a viable location for many professionals. This figure reflects a strong economic landscape with various industries contributing to a broad spectrum of earning potentials.


Salary distribution across industries in Des Moines reveals a range of opportunities. The largest share, at 27.73%, falls within the $27,000 bracket. Other notable distributions include 19.10% for $44,305, and 13.36% for $61,611. These figures indicate that a significant portion of the workforce enjoys middle-range earnings, supporting a comfortable living standard. For those in higher-paying roles, salaries extend up to $217,360, showing that Des Moines has room for growth and higher earnings for skilled professionals.

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

Job seekers in Des Moines, Iowa, have a range of top-paying job opportunities available. Among the highest-paying roles are owner operators, general dentists, and physicians. These positions offer competitive salaries, providing a strong incentive for professionals to consider Des Moines for their career advancement. Additionally, careers such as nurse practitioners, actuaries, and solution architects also pay well. MRI technologists, finance managers, and pharmacists contribute to the list of lucrative job choices in the area. These jobs not only promise financial stability but also offer rewarding career paths. Each of these roles plays a vital part in the community, providing essential services and fostering economic growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Des Moines, IA, highlighting Owner Operator with the highest at $319,223 and Pharmacist with the lowest at $142,163.

  1. Owner Operator
    Average Salary: $319,223
    This role allows for business independence. Owners can manage delivery routes and schedules. Companies like Swift Transportation offer such opportunities.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Des Moines, IA


  2. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $266,092
    General dentists diagnose and treat oral health issues. They work in private practices or hospitals. Dental Associates and UnityPoint Health are notable employers.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Des Moines, IA


  3. Physician
    Average Salary: $247,432
    Physicians provide healthcare services. They work in hospitals or clinics. MercyOne and Iowa Specialty Surgery Center offer such roles.
    Find Physician jobs in Des Moines, IA


  4. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $168,174
    Nurse practitioners provide primary care. They diagnose and treat illnesses. Employers include MercyOne and Broadlawns Medical Center.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Des Moines, IA


  5. Actuary
    Average Salary: $164,120
    Actuaries analyze financial risks. They work for insurance companies. Principal Financial Group and Principal Life Insurance are key employers.
    Find Actuary jobs in Des Moines, IA


  6. Solution Architect
    Average Salary: $150,222
    Solution architects design software solutions. They work with tech companies. Leidos and Rockwell Collins offer such roles.
    Find Solution Architect jobs in Des Moines, IA


  7. MRI Technologist
    Average Salary: $148,682
    MRI technologists operate imaging equipment. They ensure patient safety during scans. Employers include UnityPoint Health and Broadlawns Medical Center.
    Find MRI Technologist jobs in Des Moines, IA


  8. Finance Manager
    Average Salary: $146,854
    Finance managers oversee financial operations. They create budgets and reports. Companies like Meredith Corporation and Principal Financial Group offer such positions.
    Find Finance Manager jobs in Des Moines, IA


  9. Independent Contractor
    Average Salary: $142,310
    Independent contractors provide services on a freelance basis. They manage their schedules. Companies like Leidos offer various contracting opportunities.
    Find Independent Contractor jobs in Des Moines, IA


  10. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $142,163
    Pharmacists dispense medications. They advise on drug use and effects. Employers include Hy-Vee and Walgreens.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Des Moines, IA

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

In Des Moines, job seekers who do not have a degree can find several high-paying options. Among the best opportunities are roles such as Restaurant Manager, Canvasser, and Concrete Finisher. These positions offer strong earning potential while requiring experience and skills instead of formal education. Each of these jobs comes with its unique set of responsibilities but also with the chance to earn a good income. For example, Restaurant Managers oversee operations and staff, ensuring smooth service and customer satisfaction. Canvassers visit local neighborhoods to gather information or promote causes, earning good pay for their efforts. Concrete Finishers play a key role in construction, smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces, which demands skill and attention to detail.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Des Moines, IA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $55,533 and Concrete Finisher with the lowest at $53,170.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $55,533
    This role involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of a restaurant. Managers ensure everything runs smoothly, from food quality to customer service. Companies like Applebee’s and Hy-Vee need skilled managers to keep their kitchens and front-of-house areas running efficiently.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Des Moines, IA


  2. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $54,238
    Canvassers promote products or services directly to people in their homes. They gather information and sell directly. This job suits those comfortable engaging with the community. Local political campaigns and businesses often hire canvassers.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Des Moines, IA


  3. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $53,170
    Concrete finishers prepare concrete for construction projects. They spread, level, and smooth concrete using various tools. They work closely with construction crews. Companies like local construction firms hire finishers for many projects.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Des Moines, IA

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

Des Moines boasts several companies that offer competitive salaries to their employees. PwC leads the way with an average salary of nearly $182,000. Accenture and KPMG follow closely, each providing average salaries exceeding $154,000. Companies like Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, Deloitte, and Microsoft also offer attractive compensation packages. Their average salaries range from $142,000 to $128,000. Other notable employers include Nomad Health, Wells Fargo, Principal Financial Group, and OneStaff Medical, all offering salaries from $120,000 to $105,000. These companies make Des Moines an excellent place for job seekers aiming for a higher earning potential.
Graph displaying company salaries in Des Moines, IA, highlighting PwC with the highest at $181,798 and OneStaff Medical with the lowest at $105,756.

  1. PwC
    Average Salary: $181,798
    PwC is a big global company that helps others with accounting, tax, and business advice. They have a strong reputation and offer competitive salaries.


  2. Accenture
    Average Salary: $165,560
    Accenture focuses on strategy, consulting, and digital services. They value innovation and teamwork, making it a great place to work.


  3. KPMG
    Average Salary: $154,695
    KPMG is known for its audit, tax, and advisory services. They offer a supportive work environment and are dedicated to professional development.


  4. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
    Average Salary: $142,681
    Nationwide is a well-known insurance company. They focus on providing reliable insurance and financial services, and offer stable career opportunities.


  5. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $142,057
    Deloitte is a leader in audit, consulting, and advisory services. They work with many different industries and offer a dynamic work environment.


  6. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $128,499
    Microsoft is a tech giant known for its software products. They offer many opportunities for tech enthusiasts and are committed to innovation.


  7. Nomad Health
    Average Salary: $121,888
    Nomad Health connects healthcare professionals with job opportunities. They focus on improving the healthcare industry and offer competitive pay.


  8. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $120,605
    Wells Fargo is a large financial services company. They offer banking, investment, and mortgage services, and have a strong presence in the community.


  9. Principal Financial Group
    Average Salary: $110,083
    Principal Financial Group provides financial services such as insurance and retirement planning. They focus on helping clients achieve their financial goals.


  10. OneStaff Medical
    Average Salary: $105,756
    OneStaff Medical specializes in placing healthcare professionals in jobs. They offer a variety of positions and are dedicated to supporting medical careers.

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

Des Moines, IA, boasts a cost of living index that stands at 91, slightly below the nationwide average of 100. This lower index suggests that overall living expenses in Des Moines are about 9% less than the national average. Residents in Des Moines can expect more affordable housing, utilities, and miscellaneous costs, making it a potentially attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.
Cost of living comparison graph for Des Moines, IA vs. Nationwide: housing 12% lower, groceries 6% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 8% lower, healthcare 4% lower, miscellaneous 11% lower.

The cost of living index in Des Moines, IA, offers a compelling case for job seekers considering a move. When compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100, Des Moines presents a more affordable lifestyle. Specifically, housing costs in Des Moines are at 88, which means they are 12% below the national average. This lower housing index can make it easier for individuals to find more affordable living situations, thereby enhancing their overall financial stability.


In addition to housing, other significant areas such as groceries, utilities, and transportation also reflect lower costs in Des Moines. Groceries cost 94, just 6% below the average, while utilities and transportation each sit at 90 and 92, respectively, both around 8% below the national average. Healthcare costs are slightly higher in Des Moines, at 96, indicating a minimal 4% increase over the national average. Overall, Des Moines offers a cost of living that is consistently below the national average, providing potential savings across multiple essential areas.

There are 2,510 job openings in Des Moines, IA, today!

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Des Moines, IA
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