Salary & Cost of Living in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines, IA: $62,000 median salary, cost of living index 90, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$62,000
$30/hr
Cost of Living
90
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
2.8%
rate
Des Moines, IA Overview
Population
214,237
Median Salary
$62,000
Average Salary
$68,000
Avg Commute
20 min
Median Home Price
$225,000
Median Rent
$1,050/mo
Job Growth
+1.8%
Sales Tax
7%
Des Moines is located in Iowa with a population of 214,237. The median household salary is $62,000 per year ($30/hour), which is $2,616 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.8%.
Des Moines Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Des Moines, IA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$49,500
$4,124.96/month · $1,903.83/biweekly · Effective Rate: 20.2%
Gross Pay
$62,000
Federal Tax
-$5,402
State Tax
-$2,356
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,743
Net Pay
$49,500
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,166.67 | $62,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$450.13 | -$5,401.50 |
| Iowa State Tax (3.8%) | -$196.33 | -$2,356.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$320.33 | -$3,844.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$74.92 | -$899.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,124.96 | $49,499.50 |
Salary Comparison: Des Moines vs Other Cities
See how Des Moines's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | $62,000 | 90 | $68,889 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Tempe, AZ | $62,000 | 105 | $59,048 |
| Wilmington, DE | $62,000 | 105 | $59,048 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL | $62,000 | 118 | $52,542 |
| Miramar, FL | $62,000 | 112 | $55,357 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Des Moines
Des Moines's cost of living index is 90 (national average = 100). Living in Des Moines is 10% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$225,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,050
Annual Rent Cost
$12,600
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $49,500 annual take-home pay in Des Moines has the purchasing power of approximately $54,999 in an average-cost US area. Your $62,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Des Moines
Des Moines's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $62,000.
Salary Tips for Des Moines Workers
- Research top industries. Des Moines's top industries include Insurance, Finance, Technology. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $62,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
Related Salary Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Des Moines, IA?
The median salary in Des Moines, IA is $62,000 per year, or $30 per hour. The average salary is $68,000. This is $2,616 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines's cost of living index is 90 (national average = 100), meaning it is 10% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $225,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,050.
What are the best industries in Des Moines?
The top industries in Des Moines, IA include Insurance, Finance, Technology. The city has a job growth rate of 1.8% and an unemployment rate of 2.8%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $62,000.
How does Des Moines's salary compare to other cities?
Des Moines's median salary of $62,000 is 4.4% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 90), the real purchasing power is approximately $68,889.
What is the minimum wage in Des Moines, IA?
The minimum wage in Des Moines, IA is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.