Data Analyst.
Des Moines.
$98,000
median salary, 13% below the national average
$72,000 to $136,000. Last updated August 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Des Moines is 14% cheaper than the national average. For Data Analysts, that shakes out to a median of $98,000, with the full range spanning $72,000 to $136,000. SQL proficiency depth, visualization tool expertise (Tableau, Looker, or Power BI), and business domain knowledge are the primary drivers. Know the range before you walk in. These figures are Orbyt estimates, computed rather than measured, and must not be cited as Bureau of Labor Statistics figures; the published BLS wage for the occupation this role maps to is shown separately on this page.
Salary range.
Where do you fall?
Orbyt estimate for Data Analyst in Des Moines, modelled from national occupation wages adjusted for local cost of living. The published government benchmark for this occupation is below.
Government benchmark for this occupation
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $103,030 for Data Scientists (SOC 15-2051) in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metropolitan area, based on 1,240 employed workers (May 2025 release).
10th percentile
$65,480
25th percentile
$80,360
Median
$103,030
75th percentile
$133,460
90th percentile
$150,190
Workers surveyed
1,240
BLS publishes wages by occupation code, not by job title, so this figure covers every role mapped to Data Scientists (SOC 15-2051) rather than Data Analyst specifically. The Des Moinesrange at the top of this page is Orbyt’s role-level estimate, which is a different thing and is labelled as such.
View the BLS source for SOC 15-2051Salary by experience.
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $88,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$64,000
to $78,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$83,000
to $103,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$108,000
to $127,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$123,000
to $152,000
Total compensation.
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $22,000 to the total package.
Base
$98,000
Equity
$12,000
Bonus
$8,000
Signing
$2,000
Estimated total: $120,000
Data Analyst salary by company.
Total compensation estimates include base, equity, bonus, and signing. Ranges reflect mid to senior level. Derived from public H-1B LCA filings (DOL).
How Des Moines compares.
Des Moines, IA
$98,000
Cost of living: 14% below average
National Average
$113,000
Des Moines is $15,000 below
Data Analyst salary by city.
Salary by role in Des Moines.
What you should know.
The Data Analyst landscape in Des Moines is not what most salary sites will tell you. Des Moines is a major insurance and financial services hub, home to Principal Financial, EMC Insurance, and a growing fintech community. The metro's extremely low cost of living and strong job market make it one of the best value cities for finance professionals. Tech employment is growing as insurtech companies expand. SQL proficiency depth, visualization tool expertise (Tableau, Looker, or Power BI), and business domain knowledge are the primary drivers. Analysts who can tell compelling stories with data and influence decision making earn more than those who only pull reports. Python or R skills for advanced analysis add a meaningful salary bump.
Junior data analysts start at $50,000 to $65,000, advancing to data analyst at $70,000 to $90,000 in one to two years. Senior analysts earn $90,000 to $120,000. Analytics managers reach $120,000 to $155,000, and directors of analytics can earn $160,000 to $200,000 at large organizations. In Des Moines, your dollars stretch further. Cost of living runs 14% below the national average, which means even a median salary buys a stronger lifestyle.
Base salary is not the full picture. Bonuses of 5 to 12% are typical in corporate settings. Equity is less common but available at tech companies, adding $5,000 to $25,000 annually. Benefits often include data tool licenses, training budgets, and conference attendance. Signing bonuses of $5,000 to $15,000 are offered at competitive firms. And on the tax side: iowa has a flat 3.8% state income tax. Des Moines has no city income tax. The low tax rate and affordable housing create strong purchasing power. When someone quotes you $98,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Benchmark against national insurance industry pay scales. Des Moines insurance employers must compete with remote offers from larger metros and will often match. The range for Data Analysts in Des Moines runs from $72,000 to $136,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: BLS OES, H-1B LCA (DOL). COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified July 1, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Data Scientist in Des Moines earns $99,000 (1% more)
- The highest-paying role in Des Moines is CTO at $263,000
Common questions.
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