Salaries & Top Paying Jobs in Des Moines, IA

City

Salary

What is the average salary in Des Moines, IA?

The average salary in Des Moines, IA is $72,720 per year.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Des Moines, IA, showing an average salary of $72,720 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Des Moines, IA, showing an average salary of $6,060 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Des Moines, IA, showing an average salary of $1,398 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Des Moines, IA, showing an average salary of $35 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

In Des Moines, Iowa, the job market offers a range of salary opportunities. The average yearly salary is around $72,720. This number provides a good overview of what job seekers might expect.

The salary distribution varies across different job sectors. The highest-paying jobs tend to be in fields like finance, law, and healthcare. A smaller number of people earn the highest salaries, but the potential is there for those in these fields. Most people fall into the middle of the salary range, with many in occupations such as management, professional, and sales roles. Lower-paying jobs are less common but still present in areas like hospitality and retail.

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

In Des Moines, job seekers can find rewarding opportunities with competitive pay. Some of the top paying jobs include roles such as Owner Operator, General Dentist, and Physician. These positions offer substantial salaries, providing financial stability and career growth. Additionally, careers like Nurse Practitioner, MRI Technologist, and Finance Manager pay well. Other high-earning roles include Solution Architect, Pharmacist, and Business Consultant. These professions attract skilled professionals and offer attractive compensation packages. Job seekers interested in these fields can expect rewarding experiences with significant earning potential.

Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Des Moines, IA, highlighting Owner Operator with the highest at $309,433 and Business Consultant with the lowest at $131,695.

Owner Operator
Average Salary: $309,433
Drive your own truck and deliver goods for a company. Work independently and manage your own schedule. Businesses in Des Moines offer rewarding opportunities.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $229,094
Examine patients' teeth and gums. Perform procedures to treat dental issues. Work in private practices or healthcare facilities. Des Moines has many practices offering good benefits.
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Physician
Average Salary: $222,042
Diagnose and treat patients' illnesses. Perform medical exams and prescribe medications. Work in hospitals and clinics. Des Moines offers a variety of healthcare employers.
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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $164,858
Provide primary and specialty care to patients. Perform physical exams and order tests. Work in clinics and hospitals. Des Moines has many healthcare facilities looking for skilled professionals.
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Independent Contractor
Average Salary: $153,363
Offer services to clients on a freelance basis. Manage your own projects and hours. Various industries need independent contractors in Des Moines.
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MRI Technologist
Average Salary: $147,774
Operate MRI machines to produce images of patients' bodies. Work in hospitals and imaging centers. Des Moines offers good opportunities for skilled technologists.
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Solution Architect
Average Salary: $142,875
Design and plan IT solutions for businesses. Collaborate with teams to meet clients' needs. Work with tech companies in Des Moines, providing innovative solutions.
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Finance Manager
Average Salary: $139,723
Manage a company's financial health. Oversee accounting and budgeting. Work in various industries in Des Moines, ensuring financial stability.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $137,948
Dispense medications and advise on their use. Ensure proper storage and preparation. Work in pharmacies and healthcare facilities in Des Moines.
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Business Consultant
Average Salary: $131,695
Provide expert advice to businesses. Help improve operations and strategies. Work with various companies in Des Moines, offering valuable insights.
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What are the best paying jobs in Des Moines, IA without a degree?

Des Moines offers many well-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Concrete laborers earn an average of $63,390 annually. Concrete finishers also earn a good income at $53,485 per year. Other high-paying roles include restaurant managers, who earn $52,413, and kitchen managers, who make $51,376 a year. Skilled technicians, such as irrigation and grounds/maintenance specialists, also earn solid wages. Landscapers and painters helpers earn between $38,728 and $39,635. These jobs provide excellent opportunities for those without a college degree.

Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Des Moines, IA without a degree, highlighting Concrete Laborer with the highest at $63,390 and Floating Operator with the lowest at $38,728.

Concrete Laborer
Average Salary: $63,390
Concrete laborers build roads, sidewalks, and other structures. They mix concrete and smooth it into place. Companies like Walsh Construction and The R.H. Thompson Company hire concrete laborers. The work can be physically demanding but offers good pay.
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Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $53,485
Concrete finishers shape and smooth the concrete used in buildings and roads. They spread concrete using shovels and trowels. They work for companies such as Walsh Construction and The R.H. Thompson Company. The work is steady, and there are plenty of opportunities.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $52,413
Restaurant managers oversee daily operations. They handle staff, schedules, and customer service. They work for places like Hy-Vee and Prairie Meadows. It’s a job that blends people skills with a love for food.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $51,376
Kitchen managers ensure the kitchen runs smoothly. They manage staff and inventory. They work for establishments like Hy-Vee and Prairie Meadows. It’s a job that combines culinary skills with leadership.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $44,758
Irrigation technicians install and maintain irrigation systems. They work for companies like Johnson Mutual and Des Moines Water Works. The job involves a lot of fieldwork and technical skills.
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Grounds/Maintenance Specialist
Average Salary: $40,000
Grounds specialists keep properties neat and well-maintained. They handle landscaping and maintenance tasks. They work for places like Des Moines Public Schools and local parks. It’s a job that keeps the community looking its best.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $39,635
Landscapers design and maintain outdoor spaces. They plant trees, flowers, and shrubs. They work for companies like Des Moines Water Works and local landscape firms. The work is outdoors and varies with the seasons.
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Painter Helper
Average Salary: $39,528
Painter helpers assist in painting buildings and homes. They prepare surfaces and clean up. They work for companies like Sherwin-Williams and local painting contractors. The job involves a lot of physical work but offers steady employment.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $39,017
Meat cutters prepare meat products for sale. They slice and package meats. They work for grocery stores like Hy-Vee and local butcher shops. It’s a job that requires attention to detail and a strong work ethic.
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Floating Operator
Average Salary: $38,728
Floating operators maintain water levels in canals and ditches. They use machines to move water. They work for companies like Johnson Mutual and local utility companies. The job involves a lot of driving and maintenance work.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Des Moines, IA?

Des Moines, IA, offers a variety of companies where professionals can find attractive salaries. At the top of the list is PwC, with an average salary of $181,889. Accenture and KPMG follow closely, providing average salaries of $164,273 and $149,910, respectively. Among these top earners, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Deloitte also offer competitive wages. Nationwide pays an average of $146,472, while Deloitte offers $136,595. Other notable companies include Nomad Health, Wells Fargo, Microsoft, KJ MEDIA, and Quality Wheels Inc, all providing salaries that range from $120,895 to $108,433. These companies provide a range of opportunities for professionals looking to advance their careers in Des Moines.

Graph displaying company salaries in Des Moines, IA, highlighting PwC with the highest at $181,889 and Quality Wheels Inc with the lowest at $108,433.

PwC
Average Salary: $181,889
PwC offers a dynamic work environment with global opportunities. Employees find it rewarding, with a strong focus on professional growth.
Accenture
Average Salary: $164,273
Accenture provides a variety of career paths across multiple industries. It values innovation and offers numerous professional development opportunities.
KPMG
Average Salary: $149,910
KPMG offers a supportive culture and a wide range of career options. It is known for its commitment to client service and employee well-being.
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
Average Salary: $146,472
Nationwide is a leading insurance company. Employees enjoy a stable work environment with opportunities for growth within a well-established industry.
Deloitte
Average Salary: $136,595
Deloitte provides a collaborative and inclusive workplace. It focuses on developing talent and offers diverse career opportunities.
Nomad Health
Average Salary: $120,895
Nomad Health connects healthcare professionals with opportunities across the country. It values flexibility and innovation in healthcare services.
Wells Fargo
Average Salary: $120,851
Wells Fargo offers a broad range of financial services. Employees benefit from a supportive work culture and a variety of career paths.
Microsoft
Average Salary: $119,698
Microsoft is a technology leader known for its innovative products and services. It provides employees with opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects.
KJ MEDIA
Average Salary: $109,057
KJ MEDIA specializes in media production and distribution. It offers a creative work environment with a focus on high-quality content.
Quality Wheels Inc
Average Salary: $108,433
Quality Wheels Inc manufactures and distributes tires. It provides a stable job with opportunities for professional development in the automotive industry.

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

Des Moines, IA, has a lower cost of living than the nationwide average. The city's overall cost of living index is 91, which is 9% lower. This means residents generally spend less on daily expenses compared to the average American city. Individual categories also reflect this trend. Housing costs in Des Moines are 22% lower, while groceries are only 6% below the national average. Utilities and transportation are close to the national average, with utilities at 97% and transportation at 90%. Healthcare and miscellaneous costs are slightly lower, at 85% and 92%, respectively.

Cost of living comparison graph for Des Moines, IA vs. Nationwide: housing 22% lower, groceries 6% lower, utilities 3% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 15% lower, miscellaneous 8% lower.

Des Moines, IA, provides a cost of living that is notably lower than the nationwide average of 100. Housing costs in Des Moines stand at 78, which means that residents spend 22% less than the average American. This reduction in housing expenses can make Des Moines an attractive option for those seeking affordability in real estate.

Furthermore, Des Moines maintains lower costs in groceries, utilities, and transportation. Groceries cost 94, which is 6% below the national average. Utilities are priced at 97, showing a minor 3% increase, while transportation costs are 90, a 10% decrease. Healthcare costs are also lower, with an index of 85, a 15% drop. Miscellaneous expenses are at 92, which is just 8% below the national average. These figures collectively highlight Des Moines's more affordable living environment, making it a valuable consideration for budget-conscious individuals.

Salaries in Des Moines, IA

What is the average salary in Des Moines, IA?

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

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

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

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

There are 2,630 job openings in Des Moines, IA, today!

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