Salary & Cost of Living in West Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines, IA: $66,461 median salary, cost of living index 97.5, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$66,461
$32/hr
Cost of Living
97.5
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3.3%
rate
West Des Moines, IA Overview
Population
68,923
Median Salary
$66,461
Average Salary
$74,436
Avg Commute
18 min
Median Home Price
$295,000
Median Rent
$1,214/mo
Job Growth
+2.4%
Sales Tax
6%
West Des Moines is located in Iowa with a population of 68,923. The median household salary is $66,461 per year ($32/hour), which is $7,077 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.4%.
West Des Moines Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in West Des Moines, IA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$51,353
$4,279.42/month · $1,975.12/biweekly · Effective Rate: 22.7%
Gross Pay
$66,461
Federal Tax
-$6,235
State Tax
-$3,788
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$5,084
Net Pay
$51,353
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,538.42 | $66,461.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$519.62 | -$6,235.42 |
| Iowa State Tax (5.7%) | -$315.69 | -$3,788.28 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$343.38 | -$4,120.58 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$80.31 | -$963.68 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,279.42 | $51,353.04 |
Salary Comparison: West Des Moines vs Other Cities
See how West Des Moines's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Des Moines, IA | $66,461 | 97.5 | $68,165 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Noblesville, IN | $66,463 | 95.2 | $69,814 |
| Pflugerville, TX | $66,470 | 99.8 | $66,603 |
| Montclair, NJ | $66,480 | 119.9 | $55,446 |
| Lenexa, KS | $66,433 | 96.2 | $69,057 |
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 West Des Moines
West Des Moines's cost of living index is 97.5 (national average = 100). Living in West Des Moines is 2.5% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$295,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,214
Annual Rent Cost
$14,568
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $51,353 annual take-home pay in West Des Moines has the purchasing power of approximately $52,670 in an average-cost US area. Your $66,461 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in West Des Moines
West Des Moines's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $66,461.
Salary Tips for West Des Moines Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.7% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. West Des Moines's top industries include Agriculture, Manufacturing, Insurance. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $66,461 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary in West Des Moines, IA is $66,461 per year, or $32 per hour. The average salary is $74,436. This is $7,077 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in West Des Moines, IA?
West Des Moines's cost of living index is 97.5 (national average = 100), meaning it is 2.5% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $295,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,214.
What are the best industries in West Des Moines?
The top industries in West Des Moines, IA include Agriculture, Manufacturing, Insurance. The city has a job growth rate of 2.4% and an unemployment rate of 3.3%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $66,461.
How does West Des Moines's salary compare to other cities?
West Des Moines's median salary of $66,461 is 11.9% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 97.5), the real purchasing power is approximately $68,165.
What is the minimum wage in West Des Moines, IA?
The minimum wage in West 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.