Creative & Education Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

College Professor Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median college professor salary in Des Moines, IA is $77,170 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$77,170
vs State Avg
+$2,517
vs National
$-6,710
Cost of Living
92%

College Professor Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median college professor salary of $77,170, which is $2,517 above the Iowa state average of $74,653. Compared to the national median of $83,880, 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 college professors in Des Moines spans from $41,400 at the 10th percentile to $154,560 at the 90th percentile — a $113,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,160, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $147,200. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

College Professor Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level college professor earns around $44,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $147,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,120
$-6,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$147,200
$-12,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $41,400
25th Percentile $55,200
Median (50th) $77,170
75th Percentile $110,400
90th Percentile $154,560

College Professor Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$79,686
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$73,814
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$72,137
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$70,459
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a College Professor in Des Moines

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find College Professor Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open college professor positions in Des Moines, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Des Moines

How much does a College Professor make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median college professor salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $77,170 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $41,400 (10th percentile) to $154,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,170, a college professor in Des Moines earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for college professor pay? ▼
Des Moines's median college professor salary of $77,170 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $74,653. 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 college professor salary of $77,170 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Des Moines? ▼
Most college professor positions in Des Moines require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.