EngineeringUpdated Q1 2025

Environmental Engineer Salary
in Des Moines, IA

Develop solutions to environmental problems including pollution control and waste management. Median salary in Des Moines: $83K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$83K
per year
Take-home: $54K

Salary range in Des Moines

Entry level (25th)$61,000
Median (50th)$83,000
Senior (75th)$108,000
Top earner (90th)$137,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Des Moines, Iowa.

Key facts for Des Moines

Median salary
$83K
annual
Take-home pay
$54K
after fed/state tax
COL index
88
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.82%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,150
per month
YoY growth
+4.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Des Moines Environmental Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $83K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Des Moines

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Environmental Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$70K$76K$82K$88K$94K201920212023202520272029
2026
$85K
projected
2027
$87K
projected
2028
$89K
projected
2029
$92K
projected
2030
$94K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$83,000+$0
2028 projected$83,000+$0
2029 projected$83,000+$0
2030 projected$83,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Environmental Engineer Salary in Des Moines, Iowa: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Environmental Engineer salary in Des Moines, IA is $83,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Des Moines–IA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Environmental Engineer in Des Moines

Entry-level Environmental Engineers in Des Moines with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $61,000 and $83,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $83,000 to $108,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $108,000 to $137,000 or more.

Cost of living in Des Moines for Environmental Engineers

Des Moines has a cost of living index of 88 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 12% further in Des Moines than the national average. Iowa has a 4.82% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Environmental Engineer

Bachelor's in Environmental Engineering; PE license. 28% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Environmental Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Des Moines (current)$83K88
Cedar Rapids—85
Davenport—82