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

Copywriter Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median copywriter salary in Des Moines, IA is $59,800 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$59,800
vs State Avg
+$1,950
vs National
$-5,200
Cost of Living
92%

Copywriter Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median copywriter salary of $59,800, which is $1,950 above the Iowa state average of $57,850. Compared to the national median of $65,000, 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 copywriters in Des Moines spans from $33,120 at the 10th percentile to $108,560 at the 90th percentile — a $75,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,960, while senior copywriters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,040. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Copywriter Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level copywriter earns around $34,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,960
$-3,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,640
$-5,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,040
$-8,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $33,120
25th Percentile $44,160
Median (50th) $59,800
75th Percentile $82,800
90th Percentile $108,560

Copywriter Salary in Other Iowa Cities

How to Become a Copywriter in Des Moines

Education

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

Key Skills

CopywritingBrand VoiceSEOContent StrategyEditingCreative Thinking

Job Outlook

Nationally, copywriter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Copywriter Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open copywriter positions in Des Moines, IA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Copywriter Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Copywriter make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median copywriter salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $59,800 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $65,000. Salaries range from $33,120 (10th percentile) to $108,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Copywriter make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,800, a copywriter in Des Moines earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for copywriter pay? ▼
Des Moines's median copywriter salary of $59,800 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $57,850. 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 copywriter salary of $59,800 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a copywriter in Des Moines? ▼
Most copywriter positions in Des Moines require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Copywriting, Brand Voice, SEO, Content Strategy. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.