Media & Communications Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median broadcast journalist salary in Des Moines, IA is $47,840 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$47,840
vs State Avg
+$1,560
vs National
$-4,160
Cost of Living
92%

Broadcast Journalist Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $47,840, which is $1,560 above the Iowa state average of $46,280. Compared to the national median of $52,000, 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 broadcast journalists in Des Moines spans from $27,600 at the 10th percentile to $92,000 at the 90th percentile — a $64,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,360, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,400. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $30,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,360
$-2,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,680
$-4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,400
$-7,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $27,600
25th Percentile $34,960
Median (50th) $47,840
75th Percentile $68,080
90th Percentile $92,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$49,400
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$45,760
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$44,720
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$43,680
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Des Moines

Education

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

Key Skills

On-Air PresentationInterviewingScript WritingVideo EditingResearchTeleprompter

Job Outlook

Nationally, broadcast journalist employment is projected to grow -4% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $47,840 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $27,600 (10th percentile) to $92,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,840, a broadcast journalist in Des Moines earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Des Moines's median broadcast journalist salary of $47,840 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $46,280. 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 broadcast journalist salary of $47,840 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Des Moines? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Des Moines require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include On-Air Presentation, Interviewing, Script Writing, Video Editing. The job market is projected to grow -4% nationally over the next decade.