Salaries in Des Moines, IA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Des Moines, IA?

The average salary in Des Moines, IA is $67,356 per year.

Des Moines, IA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary for jobs in the area is around $67,356. This figure provides a good benchmark for job seekers. Some of the highest-paying sectors include finance, healthcare, and technology.


Here are some salary ranges for different job categories in Des Moines:

  • Finance: $95,305 to $129,932
  • Healthcare: $77,991 to $147,245
  • Technology: $60,677 to $112,618
These figures show that there are good earning potentials in various fields. Job seekers can explore these sectors to find roles 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 variety of high-paying jobs for professionals in different fields. General Dentists lead the way with an average salary of $214,642. Nurse Practitioners also earn well, with an average salary of $150,709. Systems Engineers and Solution Architects are in demand, earning $136,609 and $131,446 respectively. Other top-paying jobs include Ultrasound Technologists, Electrical Project Managers, and Business Consultants. These positions offer salaries ranging from $125,144 to $116,429. Traveling Nurses, Implementation Specialists, and Electrical Superintendents also earn competitive salaries, with averages ranging from $115,336 to $112,425. These jobs provide excellent career opportunities for those seeking high earnings in Des Moines.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Des Moines, IA, highlighting General Dentist with the highest at $214,642 and Electrical Superintendent with the lowest at $112,425.
  1. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $214,642
    This role involves diagnosing and treating dental issues. Dentists work with patients to ensure oral health. They often work in private practices or dental clinics.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Des Moines, IA


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $150,709
    Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They diagnose and manage health conditions. They often work in hospitals or clinics, collaborating with other healthcare professionals.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Des Moines, IA


  3. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $136,609
    Systems Engineers design and implement computer systems. They ensure systems run smoothly and efficiently. They often work for tech companies or in IT departments.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA


  4. Solution Architect
    Average Salary: $131,446
    Solution Architects design software solutions. They work with clients to understand their needs. They often collaborate with development teams to create effective systems.
    Find Solution Architect jobs in Des Moines, IA


  5. Ultrasound Technologist
    Average Salary: $125,144
    Ultrasound Technologists perform imaging exams. They use ultrasound equipment to create images of the body. They often work in hospitals or diagnostic labs.
    Find Ultrasound Technologist jobs in Des Moines, IA


  6. Electrical Project Manager
    Average Salary: $121,276
    Electrical Project Managers oversee electrical projects. They ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. They often work for construction firms or engineering companies.
    Find Electrical Project Manager jobs in Des Moines, IA


  7. Business Consultant
    Average Salary: $116,429
    Business Consultants advise companies on improving operations. They analyze business processes and recommend changes. They often work with a variety of industries.
    Find Business Consultant jobs in Des Moines, IA


  8. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $115,336
    Traveling Nurses provide care in various locations. They work short-term assignments in different facilities. They often travel to areas with staffing shortages.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Des Moines, IA


  9. Implementation Specialist
    Average Salary: $114,950
    Implementation Specialists help companies adopt new technologies. They ensure systems are set up correctly. They often work for software companies or IT service providers.
    Find Implementation Specialist jobs in Des Moines, IA


  10. Electrical Superintendent
    Average Salary: $112,425
    Electrical Superintendents oversee electrical projects on construction sites. They manage crews and ensure safety. They often work for construction firms or general contractors.
    Find Electrical Superintendent 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. Equipment managers earn the most, with an average salary of $86,468. Other well-paying jobs include concrete laborers, earning $70,354, and concrete finishers, with an average of $50,891. These roles provide good opportunities for those seeking to enter the workforce without a degree. Restaurant managers, canvassers, and kitchen managers also offer competitive salaries. These jobs range from managing operations to working on construction sites, giving job seekers a variety of options to explore.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Des Moines, IA without a degree, highlighting Equipment Manager with the highest at $86,468 and Painter Helper with the lowest at $38,758.
  1. Equipment Manager
    Average Salary: $86,468
    Manages and maintains equipment for various businesses. Works with companies like local construction firms and manufacturing plants. Ensures all machinery runs smoothly and efficiently.
    Find Equipment Manager jobs in Des Moines, IA


  2. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $70,354
    Helps with the construction of buildings and roads. Works on sites with local contractors and construction companies. Performs tasks like mixing concrete and pouring it into forms.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Des Moines, IA


  3. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $50,891
    Smooths and finishes concrete surfaces. Works with local construction firms and general contractors. Uses tools to level and texture the concrete, ensuring it meets quality standards.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Des Moines, IA


  4. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $49,667
    Oversees daily operations of a restaurant. Manages staff and ensures customer satisfaction. Works with popular local eateries and chains, focusing on service and efficiency.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Des Moines, IA


  5. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $46,396
    Promotes products or services door-to-door. Works for local businesses and political campaigns. Engages with customers and gathers information to improve sales strategies.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Des Moines, IA


  6. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $45,586
    Manages kitchen staff and operations. Works with local restaurants and cafes. Ensures food is prepared safely and efficiently, maintaining high standards.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Des Moines, IA


  7. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $43,329
    Installs and maintains irrigation systems. Works with landscaping companies and local parks. Ensures proper water distribution for plants and lawns.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Des Moines, IA


  8. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $39,912
    Designs and maintains outdoor spaces. Works with local landscaping companies and homeowners. Plants, prunes, and cares for gardens and lawns.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Des Moines, IA


  9. Loader
    Average Salary: $39,166
    Loads and unloads materials at construction sites. Works with local contractors and construction companies. Uses machinery to move heavy items safely and efficiently.
    Find Loader jobs in Des Moines, IA


  10. Painter Helper
    Average Salary: $38,758
    Assists professional painters in various tasks. Works with local painting companies and contractors. Helps prepare surfaces, mix paints, and clean up after painting jobs.
    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 high-paying opportunities with several top companies. PwC leads the way with an average salary of $179,210. KPMG and Deloitte also offer competitive salaries, with $138,943 and $129,359 respectively. These companies provide attractive compensation packages for skilled professionals. Other notable employers in Des Moines include Wells Fargo, HNTB Corporation, and Thrasher, Inc. These companies offer salaries ranging from $120,618 to $119,956. Microsoft, BHE Renewables, and CareNational also provide good compensation, with average salaries between $116,595 and $112,760. These employers present excellent career options for those seeking rewarding jobs in the area.
Graph displaying company salaries in Des Moines, IA, highlighting PwC with the highest at $179,210 and CareNational with the lowest at $112,760.
  1. PwC
    Average Salary: $179,210
    PwC is a global leader in professional services. They offer audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services. They value innovation and teamwork.


  2. KPMG
    Average Salary: $138,943
    KPMG provides audit, tax, and advisory services. They focus on helping clients achieve their goals through tailored solutions.


  3. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $129,359
    Deloitte offers audit, consulting, financial advisory, and tax services. They aim to create value for their clients and employees.


  4. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $120,618
    Wells Fargo is a financial services company. They offer banking, investment, and mortgage services. They focus on customer satisfaction.


  5. HNTB Corporation
    Average Salary: $120,153
    HNTB Corporation provides architecture, engineering, and consulting services. They work on infrastructure projects across the country.


  6. Thrasher, Inc.
    Average Salary: $119,956
    Thrasher, Inc. is a construction company. They specialize in building and infrastructure projects. They value quality and safety.


  7. Nomad Health
    Average Salary: $118,753
    Nomad Health connects healthcare facilities with top-quality clinicians. They aim to improve patient care and clinician satisfaction.


  8. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $116,595
    Microsoft is a technology giant. They develop software, hardware, and services. They focus on innovation and customer success.


  9. BHE Renewables
    Average Salary: $115,299
    BHE Renewables focuses on renewable energy projects. They develop and manage wind and solar energy facilities. They aim to promote sustainable energy.


  10. CareNational
    Average Salary: $112,760
    CareNational provides healthcare services. They offer home health care, hospice, and palliative care. They focus on patient-centered care.

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 slightly below the nationwide average. The city's overall cost of living index is 93, which is 7% lower than the average of 100. This lower cost can be particularly beneficial for housing, groceries, and utilities, making it an attractive option for many job seekers.
Cost of living comparison graph for Des Moines, IA vs. Nationwide: housing 12% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 2% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 8% lower, miscellaneous 7% lower.

Des Moines, IA, offers a cost of living that is slightly below the nationwide average. The housing index stands at 88, which means housing costs are 12% lower than the national average. This can be a significant advantage for job seekers looking to save on living expenses. Additionally, the groceries index is 95, indicating that food costs are only 5% below the average, making it relatively affordable to shop for daily essentials.


Utilities in Des Moines are priced at 98, which is 2% higher than the national average. While this is a slight increase, the overall cost of living remains competitive. Transportation costs are at 90, meaning they are 10% lower than the average, which can be a notable benefit for those who rely on commuting. Healthcare costs are slightly below average at 92, offering a 8% reduction in expenses. Lastly, miscellaneous costs are at 93, which is 7% below the national average. This comprehensive overview shows that Des Moines provides a cost-effective living environment for many job seekers.

There are 4,283 job openings in Des Moines, IA, today!

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

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City
Overview
Des Moines, IA
4,283 Job Openings