SOC 11-9121 · May 2025 · BLS OEWS
Natural Sciences Managers — Des Moines
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA · 4 metro areas compared
At $118,740, this is one of the lower medians recorded for Natural Sciences Managers, 29.0% beneath the national figure of $167,220.
Wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Salary overview
At $118,740, this is one of the lower medians recorded for Natural Sciences Managers, 29.0% beneath the national figure of $167,220. Pay ranges from under $75,230 at the tenth percentile to more than $206,950 at the ninetieth, with the interquartile range running from $99,420 to $176,820.
Within the state, Davenport records the highest median at $124,900. Of the 508 occupations with published wages in this area, it sits 43rd.
Percentile breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | vs US median |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $75,230 | −55.0% |
| 25th | $99,420 | −40.5% |
| Median (50th) | $118,740 | −29.0% |
| 75th | $176,820 | +5.7% |
| 90th | $206,950 | +23.8% |
| Mean | $136,350 | −18.5% |
Other metro areas in Iowa
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Davenport | $124,900 | 40 | |
| 2 | Ames | $116,540 | 90 | |
| 3 | Cedar Rapids | $101,530 | 40 | |
| 4 | Iowa City | $100,340 | 100 |
What the pay is worth locally
Prices in Des Moines run 12.2% below the national average, so the median of $118,740 goes as far as $135,239 would elsewhere in the country. Measured that way it compares to the national median at 19.1% below the national median in real terms.
Published median
$118,740as reported by BLSLocal price level
87.8US average = 100 · BEA 2024Adjusted for local prices
$135,239US average = 100 · BEA 2024Key takeaways
- Median pay is $118,740 a year, 29.0% below the national median.
- Published pay spans $75,230 to $206,950 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles.
- The highest-paying metro area covered is Davenport, at $124,900.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median wage for Natural Sciences Managers in Des Moines, IA?
The median annual wage is $118,740, or $57.09 per hour, as of May 2025. Half of the workers in this occupation earn more than that and half earn less.
Is that higher than the national average?
The national median for this occupation is $167,220, so pay in Des Moines, IA is 29.0% lower. These figures are medians, not averages: half of workers fall on each side.
What do the top earners make?
The top tenth of this occupation in Des Moines, IA earns more than $206,950 per year. The ninetieth percentile is the highest figure the survey publishes.
What is the starting range?
The tenth percentile wage is $75,230 per year. The survey measures wages actually paid rather than experience level, so this reflects the lowest-paid tenth rather than entry-level pay specifically.
Which area nearby pays the most?
The highest median for this occupation among the metro areas covered is in Davenport, at $124,900 per year.
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.
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