Economist Salary in Des Moines, Iowa
The median economist salary in Des Moines, IA is $104,825 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.
Economist Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)
Des Moines offers a median economist salary of $104,825, which is $3,418 above the Iowa state average of $101,407. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 economists in Des Moines spans from $57,040 at the 10th percentile to $182,160 at the 90th percentile — a $125,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,800, while senior economists 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.
Economist Salary in Des Moines by Experience
In Des Moines, an entry-level economist earns around $59,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $170,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA
| Percentile | Des Moines |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $57,040 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,440 |
| Median (50th) | $104,825 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $182,160 |
Economist Salary in Other Iowa Cities
How to Become a Economist in Des Moines
Education
Most economist positions require a master's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, economist 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 Economist Jobs in Des Moines
Browse open economist positions in Des Moines, IA: