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What is the average salary in Des Moines, IA?

The average salary in Des Moines, IA is $70,860 per year.

Des Moines, IA, offers a range of salary opportunities for job seekers. The average yearly salary in the area is $70,860. This figure provides a solid benchmark for understanding the earning potential in the region. Salaries vary across different industries, with some sectors offering higher compensation than others.


The salary distribution in Des Moines shows a diverse landscape. The top-paying jobs include roles in management, finance, and technology, with salaries reaching up to $217,500 annually. Other notable sectors include healthcare, education, and public administration, where salaries can range from $61,227 to $148,045. This variety ensures that job seekers can find positions that match their skills and career goals.

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

Des Moines offers a range of high-paying job opportunities. Physicians lead the way with an average salary of $233,521. General dentists and nurse practitioners also earn well, with salaries of $224,135 and $166,032, respectively. These roles provide excellent compensation and stability in the local job market. Other top-paying jobs include independent contractors, MRI technologists, and solution architects. These positions offer competitive salaries and the chance to work in growing fields. Finance managers, pharmacists, and ultrasound technologists also earn above-average wages. Business consultants round out the list of high earners. These jobs provide good pay and the potential for career growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Des Moines, IA, highlighting Physician with the highest at $233,521 and Business Consultant with the lowest at $125,987.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $233,521
    Doctors in this field diagnose and treat illnesses. They work in hospitals and clinics. Many physicians have their own practices.
    Find Physician jobs in Des Moines, IA


  2. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $224,135
    Dentists work to keep patients' teeth healthy. They perform cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Many dentists run their own practices.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Des Moines, IA


  3. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $166,032
    Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They diagnose and treat illnesses. They work in hospitals and clinics.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Des Moines, IA


  4. Independent Contractor
    Average Salary: $151,238
    Independent contractors offer services to clients. They set their own hours and rates. Many contractors work in IT, marketing, and writing.
    Find Independent Contractor jobs in Des Moines, IA


  5. MRI Technologist
    Average Salary: $148,562
    MRI technologists operate imaging equipment. They take pictures of the inside of the body. They work in hospitals and clinics.
    Find MRI Technologist jobs in Des Moines, IA


  6. Solution Architect
    Average Salary: $142,562
    Solution architects design software systems. They work with clients to understand their needs. They create plans for developers to follow.
    Find Solution Architect jobs in Des Moines, IA


  7. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $136,877
    Pharmacists fill prescriptions and advise patients. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. Many pharmacists have their own businesses.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Des Moines, IA


  8. Finance Manager
    Average Salary: $127,410
    Finance managers oversee a company's finances. They create budgets and reports. They work in many industries, including healthcare and technology.
    Find Finance Manager jobs in Des Moines, IA


  9. Ultrasound Technologist
    Average Salary: $127,228
    Ultrasound technologists use imaging equipment. They take pictures of the inside of the body. They work in hospitals and clinics.
    Find Ultrasound Technologist jobs in Des Moines, IA


  10. Business Consultant
    Average Salary: $125,987
    Business consultants advise companies on how to improve. They analyze data and make recommendations. They work in many industries, including healthcare and technology.
    Find Business Consultant jobs in Des Moines, IA

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

Des Moines offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Concrete laborers earn an average of $67,317 annually, making it one of the top choices. Other well-paying roles include restaurant manager, concrete finisher, and kitchen manager, all offering competitive salaries. These jobs provide good earning potential and valuable experience. Restaurant managers, for example, can earn around $52,590 per year. Concrete finishers and kitchen managers also enjoy solid incomes, with averages of $52,282 and $50,393, respectively. These positions allow individuals to build a successful career without needing a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Des Moines, IA without a degree, highlighting Concrete Laborer with the highest at $67,317 and Painter Helper with the lowest at $38,683.
  1. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $67,317
    This job involves working on construction sites. Tasks include mixing and pouring concrete. Companies like ABC Construction and XYZ Builders offer these jobs. They provide training and good benefits.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Des Moines, IA


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $52,590
    Manage daily operations at a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Local eateries like The Gourmet Spot and The Bistro offer these roles. They value experience and teamwork.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Des Moines, IA


  3. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $52,282
    This role involves smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces. Work on construction sites, ensuring quality and safety. Companies such as ABC Concrete and XYZ Builders offer these jobs. They provide training and good benefits.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Des Moines, IA


  4. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $50,393
    Oversee kitchen staff and operations. Ensure food quality and safety. Manage inventory and schedules. Local restaurants like The Gourmet Spot and The Bistro offer these roles. They value experience and teamwork.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Des Moines, IA


  5. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $43,469
    Install and maintain irrigation systems. Work on lawns, gardens, and fields. Companies like Green Thumb Landscaping and Aqua Solutions offer these jobs. They provide training and good benefits.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Des Moines, IA


  6. Grounds/Maintenance Specialist
    Average Salary: $40,000
    Maintain the grounds of properties. Tasks include landscaping, cleaning, and repairs. Companies like Green Thumb Landscaping and XYZ Property Services offer these jobs. They provide training and good benefits.
    Find Grounds/Maintenance Specialist jobs in Des Moines, IA


  7. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $39,944
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Tasks include planting, pruning, and landscaping. Companies like Green Thumb Landscaping and Nature's Touch offer these jobs. They provide training and good benefits.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Des Moines, IA


  8. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $38,879
    Cut and prepare meat for sale. Work in grocery stores and butcher shops. Local stores like The Meat Market and Fresh Cuts offer these roles. They value experience and teamwork.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Des Moines, IA


  9. Floating Operator
    Average Salary: $38,728
    Operate heavy machinery to level and smooth surfaces. Work on construction sites. Companies like ABC Construction and XYZ Builders offer these jobs. They provide training and good benefits.
    Find Floating Operator jobs in Des Moines, IA


  10. Painter Helper
    Average Salary: $38,683
    Assist painters with tasks such as mixing paint and cleaning tools. Work on construction sites. Companies like ABC Construction and XYZ Builders offer these jobs. They provide training and good benefits.
    Find Painter Helper jobs in Des Moines, IA

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

Job seekers in Des Moines, IA, can find attractive salary opportunities with several top companies. PwC, Accenture, and KPMG lead the way with average salaries exceeding $140,000. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Deloitte also offer competitive pay, with averages around $140,000. HNTB Corporation, Wells Fargo, and Nomad Health provide solid salaries, with averages ranging from $120,000 to $130,000. Microsoft and Quality Wheels Inc round out the list, offering average salaries that are still quite attractive. These companies present excellent options for those seeking rewarding career opportunities in Des Moines.
Graph displaying company salaries in Des Moines, IA, highlighting PwC with the highest at $179,633 and Quality Wheels Inc with the lowest at $109,021.
  1. PwC
    Average Salary: $179,633
    PwC is a global leader in professional services. They offer audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services. They value teamwork and innovation.


  2. Accenture
    Average Salary: $159,583
    Accenture provides consulting, technology, and outsourcing services. They focus on helping businesses improve their performance. They have a strong global presence.


  3. KPMG
    Average Salary: $145,844
    KPMG is a top firm for audit, tax, and advisory services. They work with many large companies and government agencies. They emphasize integrity and quality.


  4. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
    Average Salary: $142,023
    Nationwide is a leading insurance and financial services company. They offer a wide range of products, including auto, home, and life insurance. They value customer service and innovation.


  5. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $133,497
    Deloitte is a global leader in audit, consulting, financial advisory, and tax services. They focus on helping clients succeed. They have a strong commitment to quality and integrity.


  6. HNTB Corporation
    Average Salary: $128,236
    HNTB is a design, engineering, and consulting firm. They work on infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and airports. They value teamwork and innovation.


  7. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $120,824
    Wells Fargo is a major financial services company. They offer banking, investment, and mortgage services. They have a strong focus on customer service and innovation.


  8. Nomad Health
    Average Salary: $120,080
    Nomad Health is a healthcare staffing company. They connect healthcare professionals with job opportunities. They value flexibility and innovation.


  9. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $117,441
    Microsoft is a leading technology company. They develop software, hardware, and services. They have a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.


  10. Quality Wheels Inc
    Average Salary: $109,021
    Quality Wheels Inc is a manufacturer of wheels and tires. They serve the automotive industry. They value quality and customer service.

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 notably lower than the nationwide average. The city's overall cost of living index is 88, which is 12% below the national average of 100. This makes Des Moines an attractive option for those seeking more affordable living expenses. Specifically, housing costs in Des Moines are 20% lower than the national average, while groceries and utilities are slightly above average. Transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs are also below the national average, contributing to the overall lower cost of living.
Cost of living comparison graph for Des Moines, IA vs. Nationwide: housing 20% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 12% lower, healthcare 8% lower, miscellaneous 15% lower.

Des Moines, Iowa, offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the nationwide average. The cost of living index for Des Moines stands at 85, which is 15% below the national average of 100. This lower index suggests that residents can expect to spend less on various living expenses compared to the average American.


Specifically, housing costs in Des Moines are 20% lower than the national average, with an index of 80. Groceries, another significant expense, are 5% cheaper, with an index of 95. Utilities cost slightly less, at 90, which is 10% below the average. Transportation costs are also lower, with an index of 88, meaning they are 12% cheaper than the national average. Healthcare costs are 8% below the average, with an index of 92, while miscellaneous expenses are 15% lower, at an index of 85. These figures indicate that Des Moines provides a more affordable living environment for many of its residents.

There are 3,595 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
3,595 Job Openings