Average Salary in Des Moines, IA
Across the 411 professional occupations we track, the median salary in Des Moines is $90,000/year. Des Moines, Iowa offers career opportunities with 4.82% state income tax. All figures are Des Moines-specific, adjusted for local cost of living and updated quarterly from BLS and H-1B disclosures.
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Working in Des Moines, Iowa: Salary Guide (2026)
Des Moines is home to the Des MoinesβIA metropolitan area with a population of 214,133. The city has a cost of living index of 88 (US average = 100), meaning salaries go approximately 12% further here than in an average US city.
Iowa has a 4.82% state income tax rate. When comparing offers with cities in no-income-tax states like Texas, Washington, or Florida, factor in this difference.
Top-paying industries in Des Moines
Des Moines's economy spans multiple high-wage sectors. The city's diverse employer base creates strong demand across technology, healthcare, finance, and professional services.
Des Moines salary FAQ
What is the average salary in Des Moines, IA?
Pay in Des Moines varies widely by occupation. Across the 411 professional roles we track, the median salary is about $90,000 per year β adjusted for Des Moines's cost of living (index 88, where 100 is the US average). Use the tables above to see the median for a specific job title.
Which jobs pay the most in Des Moines?
Among the roles we track, Oral Surgeon is the highest-paying in Des Moines at a median of $380,000 per year. Technology, healthcare, and finance roles generally top the list.
Does Des Moines have a state income tax?
Yes β Iowa levies a 4.82% state income tax, which reduces take-home pay versus no-tax states like Texas, Florida, and Washington.
How far does a salary go in Des Moines?
Des Moines's cost of living index is 88 (US average = 100), so a dollar stretches about 12% further here than in an average US city. A $90,000 salary here has roughly the buying power of $102,273 in an average-cost city.