Overview Salaries

Salaries in West Des Moines, IA

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
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What is the average salary in West Des Moines, IA?

The average salary in West Des Moines, IA is $61,346 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for West Des Moines, IA, showing an average salary of $61,346 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for West Des Moines, IA, showing an average salary of $5,112 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for West Des Moines, IA, showing an average salary of $1,180 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for West Des Moines, IA, showing an average salary of $29 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

West Des Moines, IA, offers a range of career opportunities with competitive salaries. On average, professionals earn about $61,346 per year. This figure varies based on the industry and role. For instance, those in technology and finance often see higher salaries. The median salary in West Des Moines stands out as a key factor for job seekers looking to balance their earnings with their career goals.


The salary distribution in West Des Moines shows a broad spectrum. The highest-paid 10% earn over $166,000 per year. Below this, the majority of professionals fall into middle-income brackets, ranging from $40,000 to $87,000. Lower-paying jobs make up the smallest portion of the workforce. Job seekers should consider these ranges when exploring career options in the area.

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

The best-paying jobs in West Des Moines, IA, offer competitive salaries and great career opportunities. Analytics consultants lead the way with an average salary of $135,492. Nurses and healthcare professionals also earn well, with nurse practitioners and registered nurses ranking high on the list. Business and technology sectors follow closely behind, providing attractive options for those seeking stable, high-paying careers in the area. Several healthcare roles make the list, such as nurse practitioners and registered nurses, both offering substantial average salaries. Additionally, professionals in analytics, business consulting, and software engineering enjoy good compensation. Outside sales representatives and speech language pathologists also find rewarding opportunities with competitive pay. These positions provide job seekers with various options to explore in West Des Moines.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in West Des Moines, IA, highlighting Analytics Consultant with the highest at $135,492 and Licensed Practical Nurse with the lowest at $60,168.

  1. Analytics Consultant
    Average Salary: $135,492
    Analytics consultants analyze data and suggest improvements to company operations. They often work with tech companies in the area. Their work helps companies make smart business decisions.
    Find Analytics Consultant jobs in West Des Moines, IA


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $121,716
    Nurse Practitioners provide patient care and may diagnose and treat health conditions. They work in hospitals and clinics, providing essential medical services. They often collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in West Des Moines, IA


  3. Business Consultant
    Average Salary: $119,339
    Business consultants help companies improve their performance. They look at different parts of a business and suggest changes. They work with a variety of businesses to boost their efficiency and profitability.
    Find Business Consultant jobs in West Des Moines, IA


  4. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $118,550
    Traveling nurses provide care in different locations. They often work in hospitals or clinics. Their flexibility allows them to help where the need is greatest.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in West Des Moines, IA


  5. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $106,769
    Software engineers design and develop software applications. They work with tech companies, creating programs that meet user needs. Their work is essential in today’s digital world.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in West Des Moines, IA


  6. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $101,568
    Outside sales representatives sell products to businesses. They often travel to meet clients and understand their needs. They build relationships and close deals, contributing to company growth.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in West Des Moines, IA


  7. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $85,902
    Speech language pathologists help people with speech and language disorders. They work with patients to improve their communication skills. They often collaborate with doctors and educators.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in West Des Moines, IA


  8. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $82,873
    Registered nurses provide patient care in hospitals and clinics. They monitor patients, administer medications, and work with doctors. They play a crucial role in the healthcare system.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in West Des Moines, IA


  9. Hair Stylist
    Average Salary: $60,983
    Hair stylists cut, color, and style hair for clients. They work in salons, creating looks that meet each client's needs. They use their creativity to help clients look and feel their best.
    Find Hair Stylist jobs in West Des Moines, IA


  10. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $60,168
    Licensed practical nurses provide basic medical care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They assist doctors and registered nurses, ensuring patients receive proper care.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in West Des Moines, IA

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

Job seekers in West Des Moines, IA, looking for top-paying roles without needing a degree will find several options. Restaurant managers earn the highest pay, averaging around $53,883 annually. They oversee restaurant operations and staff, ensuring smooth service and customer satisfaction. Other well-paying jobs include meat cutters and groundskeepers, with average salaries around $39,500 and $39,200 respectively. These positions demand practical skills and attention to detail. Service team members, line cooks, and floor techs also offer good earnings, with salaries around $37,000 to $33,000. These roles involve maintenance, food preparation, and customer service, providing stable employment in the area.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in West Des Moines, IA without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $53,883 and Barista with the lowest at $30,930.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $53,883
    Lead the team in a busy restaurant. Oversee kitchen and service staff. Work in high-end dining places and chain restaurants.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in West Des Moines, IA


  2. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $39,546
    Slice and package meat. Work in grocery stores and supermarkets. Must follow safety guidelines.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in West Des Moines, IA


  3. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $39,163
    Maintain parks and recreational areas. Perform landscaping tasks. Work with city parks and maintenance companies.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in West Des Moines, IA


  4. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $36,960
    Serve customers at various locations. Work in cafes and quick-service restaurants. Handle orders and clean up dining areas.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in West Des Moines, IA


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $35,619
    Prepare meals under pressure. Work in busy kitchen environments. Assist head chefs in preparing dishes.
    Find Line Cook jobs in West Des Moines, IA


  6. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $33,279
    Maintain clean and safe environments. Work in retail stores and office buildings. Use cleaning equipment to polish floors.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in West Des Moines, IA


  7. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $32,823
    Assist in food preparation and service. Work in cafeterias and food service areas. Follow food safety guidelines.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in West Des Moines, IA


  8. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $32,722
    Clean rooms in hotels and motels. Maintain tidy and welcoming spaces. Use cleaning supplies and equipment.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in West Des Moines, IA


  9. Server
    Average Salary: $32,181
    Take orders and serve food and drinks. Work in various dining settings. Provide excellent customer service.
    Find Server jobs in West Des Moines, IA


  10. Barista
    Average Salary: $30,930
    Prepare coffee and other beverages. Work in coffee shops and cafes. Serve customers with a smile.
    Find Barista jobs in West Des Moines, IA

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

Job seekers in West Des Moines, IA, have several companies to consider for competitive salaries. The top-paying company is Wells Fargo, offering an average salary of $145,277. This means job seekers can expect strong compensation in roles with financial institutions like Wells Fargo. Other well-paying companies in the area include Sammons Financial Group Companies and Vero Health Center, with average salaries of $87,508 and $84,343, respectively. These companies provide good opportunities for professionals looking for rewarding careers with attractive pay.
Graph displaying company salaries in West Des Moines, IA, highlighting Wells Fargo with the highest at $145,277 and City of West Des Moines with the lowest at $59,589.

  1. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $145,277
    Wells Fargo is a well-known financial services company. It offers banking, investment, and mortgage services.


  2. Sammons Financial Group Companies
    Average Salary: $87,508
    Sammons Financial Group provides financial services. This includes retirement, investment, and insurance services.


  3. Vero Health Center
    Average Salary: $84,343
    Vero Health Center is a healthcare provider. It offers medical and therapy services.


  4. ATHENE
    Average Salary: $81,223
    ATHENE offers insurance services. It works with life, health, and retirement plans.


  5. IMT Insurance
    Average Salary: $77,584
    IMT Insurance provides insurance and financial services. It focuses on risk management and claims.


  6. Aveanna Healthcare
    Average Salary: $74,611
    Aveanna Healthcare offers home healthcare services. It provides nursing, therapy, and social work.


  7. Farm Bureau Financial Services
    Average Salary: $66,694
    Farm Bureau Financial Services offers insurance and financial services. It focuses on rural areas.


  8. EquiTrust Life Insurance Company
    Average Salary: $66,573
    EquiTrust Life Insurance Company provides life insurance. It also offers annuities and retirement services.


  9. Des Moines University
    Average Salary: $63,869
    Des Moines University is a higher education institution. It offers degrees in healthcare and medical fields.


  10. City of West Des Moines
    Average Salary: $59,589
    The City of West Des Moines offers public services. It manages parks, utilities, and community programs.

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

West Des Moines, IA, offers a cost of living slightly below the nationwide average. The city’s overall cost of living index stands at 94, indicating that residents can expect to spend 6% less than the national average. This balance of lower housing costs and slightly varied expenses in other categories makes West Des Moines a potentially attractive option for cost-conscious job seekers.
Cost of living comparison graph for West Des Moines, IA vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 3% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 5% lower, healthcare 4% lower, miscellaneous 8% lower.

West Des Moines, IA, offers a cost of living that is below the nationwide average. This is particularly noticeable in the housing sector, where the cost index stands at 85. Compared to the national average of 100, this means housing costs 15% less in West Des Moines. Job seekers will appreciate this lower expense, making it easier to budget for other living necessities.


In other areas like groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses, West Des Moines maintains a cost index above 90. Groceries and healthcare, for example, are priced at 97 and 96, respectively. This means residents save around 3% on groceries and 4% on healthcare compared to the national average. Transportation costs are slightly lower at 95, representing a 5% saving. These figures make West Des Moines a competitive choice for those looking to balance quality of life with cost efficiency.

There are 780 job openings in West Des Moines, IA, today!

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West Des Moines, IA
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