Engineering Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median aerospace engineer salary in Des Moines, IA is $116,730 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$116,730
vs State Avg
+$3,807
vs National
$-10,150
Cost of Living
92%

Aerospace Engineer Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median aerospace engineer salary of $116,730, which is $3,807 above the Iowa state average of $112,923. Compared to the national median of $126,880, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for aerospace engineers in Des Moines spans from $71,760 at the 10th percentile to $176,640 at the 90th percentile — a $104,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,600, while senior aerospace engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $170,200. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level aerospace engineer earns around $73,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $170,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,600
$-6,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$117,760
$-10,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$170,200
$-14,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $71,760
25th Percentile $92,000
Median (50th) $116,730
75th Percentile $147,200
90th Percentile $176,640

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$120,536
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$111,654
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$109,117
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$106,579
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in Des Moines

Education

Most aerospace engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AerodynamicsCATIA/CADStructural AnalysisMATLABPropulsion SystemsFEA

Job Outlook

Nationally, aerospace engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open aerospace engineer positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Aerospace Engineer Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median aerospace engineer salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $116,730 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $126,880. Salaries range from $71,760 (10th percentile) to $176,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Aerospace Engineer make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $116,730, a aerospace engineer in Des Moines earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for aerospace engineer pay? ▼
Des Moines's median aerospace engineer salary of $116,730 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $112,923. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a aerospace engineer salary of $116,730 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a aerospace engineer in Des Moines? ▼
Most aerospace engineer positions in Des Moines require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Aerodynamics, CATIA/CAD, Structural Analysis, MATLAB. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.