What is the average salary in Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines, IA, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary for jobs in the area is $70,055. This figure provides a good starting point for understanding the earning potential in the region. Salaries vary widely depending on the industry and role.
Here are some common salary ranges in Des Moines:
- 29.21% of jobs pay around $26,500
- 20.67% of jobs pay around $43,851
- 15.13% of jobs pay around $61,202
- 10.02% of jobs pay around $78,553
- 7.07% of jobs pay around $95,904
- 4.71% of jobs pay around $113,255
- 3.25% of jobs pay around $130,605
- 2.18% of jobs pay around $147,956
- 1.48% of jobs pay around $165,307
- 0.72% of jobs pay around $182,658
- 0.55% of jobs pay around $200,009
- 0.55% of jobs pay around $217,360
What are the best paying jobs in Des Moines, IA?

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Physician
Average Salary: $236,670
Doctors in this city work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They diagnose and treat patients. Mayo Clinic and UnityPoint Health are some of the employers.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $217,512
Dentists provide oral care. They work in private practices and clinics. They clean teeth, fill cavities, and perform surgeries. Des Moines Dental Society lists many local practices.
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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $161,041
Nurse Practitioners offer primary and specialty care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They diagnose and treat illnesses. MercyOne and UnityPoint Health are local employers.
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Independent Contractor
Average Salary: $146,271
Independent contractors offer services on a freelance basis. They work in various fields, such as writing, consulting, and IT. They set their own hours and rates. Websites like Upwork and Fiverr connect contractors with clients.
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Solution Architect
Average Salary: $140,580
Solution Architects design and plan IT systems. They work for tech companies, consulting firms, and in-house IT departments. They ensure systems meet business needs. Companies like Principal Financial Group and Wells Fargo hire them.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $134,393
Pharmacists dispense medications and offer advice on their use. They work in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. They ensure patients use medications safely. Hy-Vee and Walgreens are local employers.
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Ultrasound Technologist
Average Salary: $125,724
Ultrasound Technologists perform imaging tests. They work in hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers. They use ultrasound equipment to create images of the body. MercyOne and UnityPoint Health are local employers.
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Finance Manager
Average Salary: $124,567
Finance Managers oversee financial operations. They work in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and finance. They prepare budgets, analyze financial data, and manage investments. Companies like Principal Financial Group and Wells Fargo hire them.
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Business Consultant
Average Salary: $122,872
Business Consultants advise organizations on improving operations. They work for consulting firms, in-house, or as freelancers. They analyze business processes and recommend changes. McKinsey & Company and Deloitte are global firms with local offices.
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Product Manager
Average Salary: $119,198
Product Managers lead the development of new products. They work in tech companies, consumer goods firms, and other industries. They research market needs, define product features, and oversee product launches. Companies like Principal Financial Group and Wells Fargo hire them.
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What are the best paying jobs in Des Moines, IA without a degree?

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Concrete Laborer
Average Salary: $68,777
This role 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.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $51,722
Manage daily operations at a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Local eateries like The Bistro and The Grill House offer these roles. They value experience and teamwork.
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Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $51,698
This job focuses on finishing concrete surfaces. Tasks include smoothing and leveling concrete. Companies like City Concrete and Metro Builders offer these positions. They provide on-the-job training and good pay.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $49,578
Oversee kitchen staff and operations. Ensure food quality and safety. Local restaurants like The Diner and The Pub offer these roles. They value leadership and experience in a fast-paced environment.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $43,445
Install and maintain irrigation systems. Work on both residential and commercial properties. Companies like Green Thumb Irrigation and Aqua Solutions offer these jobs. They provide training and good benefits.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $40,073
Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Tasks include planting, pruning, and landscaping. Local landscaping companies like Nature's Beauty and Green Spaces offer these positions. They value hard work and attention to detail.
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Grounds/Maintenance Specialist
Average Salary: $40,000
Maintain the grounds of buildings and properties. Tasks include cleaning, landscaping, and minor repairs. Companies like City Grounds and Property Care offer these roles. They provide training and good benefits.
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Painter Helper
Average Salary: $38,889
Assist professional painters in various tasks. Tasks include preparing surfaces and cleaning up. Local painting companies like Color Pros and Paint Masters offer these positions. They value teamwork and a willingness to learn.
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Floating Operator
Average Salary: $38,728
Operate a floating device to smooth concrete surfaces. Work on construction sites. Companies like Concrete Solutions and Build Right offer these roles. They provide training and good benefits.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $38,719
Cut and package meat for sale. Work in grocery stores and butcher shops. Local stores like The Market and Butcher's Choice offer these positions. They value attention to detail and a strong work ethic.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Des Moines, IA?

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PwC
Average Salary: $180,445
PwC is a global leader in professional services. They offer audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services. They value teamwork and innovation.
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KPMG
Average Salary: $142,662
KPMG provides audit, tax, and advisory services. They focus on helping clients achieve their goals. KPMG is known for its strong culture and growth opportunities.
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Deloitte
Average Salary: $132,425
Deloitte offers consulting, audit, tax, and advisory services. They aim to make an impact that matters. Deloitte values diversity and inclusion.
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Thrasher, Inc.
Average Salary: $123,408
Thrasher, Inc. is a leading provider of construction and engineering services. They focus on delivering projects on time and within budget. Thrasher, Inc. values safety and quality.
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HNTB Corporation
Average Salary: $123,272
HNTB Corporation offers architecture, engineering, and program management services. They focus on creating sustainable solutions. HNTB Corporation values innovation and collaboration.
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Wells Fargo
Average Salary: $120,044
Wells Fargo is a financial services company. They offer banking, investment, and mortgage services. Wells Fargo values integrity and customer service.
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Nomad Health
Average Salary: $119,527
Nomad Health connects healthcare professionals with job opportunities. They focus on improving access to care. Nomad Health values flexibility and innovation.
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Microsoft
Average Salary: $117,087
Microsoft is a technology company. They offer software, hardware, and cloud services. Microsoft values creativity and collaboration.
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BHE Renewables
Average Salary: $113,949
BHE Renewables is a renewable energy company. They focus on developing wind and solar power projects. BHE Renewables values sustainability and innovation.
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Quality Wheels Inc
Average Salary: $109,330
Quality Wheels Inc. manufactures and distributes wheels. They focus on quality and customer service. Quality Wheels Inc. values teamwork and continuous improvement.
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 housing index stands at 86, which is 14% lower than the average. This means that housing costs in Des Moines are more affordable compared to the rest of the country. For job seekers, this could translate into more disposable income or the ability to rent a larger space for the same budget.
In other areas, Des Moines also shows competitive costs. Groceries are priced at 92, just 8% below the average. Utilities are at 90, which is 10% lower. Transportation costs slightly exceed the average at 95, but only by 5%. Healthcare costs are slightly higher, at 96, which is 6% above the average. Miscellaneous expenses are at 88, which is 12% lower. Overall, Des Moines provides a balanced cost of living that is mostly favorable for those considering a move.