May 2025 · Metropolitan area · BLS OEWS
Salaries in Des Moines
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
508 occupations
Across 508 occupations with published wages in Des Moines, emergency medicine physicians record the highest median at $426,310 per year.
Highest-paying occupations in Des Moines
| # | Occupation | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emergency Medicine Physicians | $426,310 | 50 | |
| 2 | Obstetricians and Gynecologists | $369,390 | 40 | |
| 3 | Psychiatrists | $358,020 | 50 | |
| 4 | Physicians, All Other | $309,880 | 460 | |
| 5 | Chief Executives | $290,870 | 1,230 | |
| 6 | Pediatricians, General | $271,190 | 90 | |
| 7 | Family Medicine Physicians | $265,200 | 250 | |
| 8 | Anesthesiologists | $239,200 | 190 | |
| 9 | Physicians, Pathologists | $239,200 | — | |
| 10 | Radiologists | $239,200 | — | |
| 11 | Nurse Anesthetists | $237,670 | 80 | |
| 12 | Dentists, General | $209,300 | 360 | |
| 13 | Physicists | $178,110 | 50 | |
| 14 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $164,840 | 2,050 | |
| 15 | Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $160,990 | 60 | |
| 16 | Financial Managers | $154,140 | 3,800 | |
| 17 | Compensation and Benefits Managers | $150,850 | 60 | |
| 18 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $148,330 | 360 | |
| 19 | Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | $147,510 | 90 | |
| 20 | Pharmacists | $141,110 | 850 | |
| 21 | Managers, All Other | $139,110 | 1,420 | |
| 22 | Human Resources Managers | $138,140 | 520 | |
| 23 | Sales Managers | $136,570 | 1,200 | |
| 24 | Marketing Managers | $135,140 | 950 | |
| 25 | Lawyers | $134,560 | 1,760 |
Largest occupations by employment
| Occupation | Jobs | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service Representatives | 12,070 | $48,880 |
| Retail Salespersons | 11,000 | $33,430 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 10,060 | $29,140 |
| Cashiers | 8,720 | $29,640 |
| General and Operations Managers | 8,370 | $98,780 |
| Registered Nurses | 8,130 | $78,630 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 7,840 | $60,720 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 7,430 | $36,800 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 7,000 | $46,370 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 6,250 | $20,410 |
Lowest-paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Waiters and Waitresses | $20,410 | 6,250 |
| Bartenders | $22,340 | 2,200 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $22,490 | 110 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $23,830 | 110 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $26,480 | 370 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $26,870 | 320 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $27,730 | 790 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,860 | 1,700 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $28,270 | 850 |
| Physical Therapist Aides | $29,120 | 100 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.