Personal Care & Fitness Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Esthetician Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median esthetician salary in Des Moines, IA is $35,144 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$35,144
vs State Avg
+$1,146
vs National
$-3,056
Cost of Living
92%

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

Des Moines offers a median esthetician salary of $35,144, which is $1,146 above the Iowa state average of $33,998. Compared to the national median of $38,200, 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 estheticians in Des Moines spans from $22,080 at the 10th percentile to $59,800 at the 90th percentile — a $37,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,920, while senior estheticians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $57,040. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Esthetician Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level esthetician earns around $23,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,920
$-2,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$35,880
$-3,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,040
$-4,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $22,080
25th Percentile $27,600
Median (50th) $35,144
75th Percentile $47,840
90th Percentile $59,800

Esthetician Salary in Other Iowa Cities

How to Become a Esthetician in Des Moines

Education

Most esthetician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SkincareFacial TreatmentsProduct KnowledgeClient ConsultationSanitationAnatomy

Job Outlook

Nationally, esthetician employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Esthetician Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open esthetician positions in Des Moines, IA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Esthetician Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Esthetician make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median esthetician salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $35,144 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $38,200. Salaries range from $22,080 (10th percentile) to $59,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Esthetician make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,144, a esthetician in Des Moines earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for esthetician pay? ▼
Des Moines's median esthetician salary of $35,144 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $33,998. 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 esthetician salary of $35,144 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esthetician in Des Moines? ▼
Most esthetician positions in Des Moines require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Skincare, Facial Treatments, Product Knowledge, Client Consultation. The job market is projected to grow 17% nationally over the next decade.