Business & Finance Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Financial Controller Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median financial controller salary in Des Moines, IA is $115,000 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$115,000
vs State Avg
+$3,750
vs National
$-10,000
Cost of Living
92%

Financial Controller Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median financial controller salary of $115,000, which is $3,750 above the Iowa state average of $111,250. Compared to the national median of $125,000, 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 financial controllers in Des Moines spans from $71,760 at the 10th percentile to $182,160 at the 90th percentile — a $110,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $75,440, while senior financial controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $174,800. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Financial Controller Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level financial controller earns around $75,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $174,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$117,760
$-10,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$174,800
$-15,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $71,760
25th Percentile $90,160
Median (50th) $115,000
75th Percentile $149,040
90th Percentile $182,160

Financial Controller Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$118,750
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$110,000
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$107,500
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$105,000
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Financial Controller in Des Moines

Education

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

Key Skills

Financial ReportingGAAPERP SystemsBudgetingTeam LeadershipTax Compliance

Job Outlook

Nationally, financial controller 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 Financial Controller Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open financial controller positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Financial Controller make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $115,000 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $71,760 (10th percentile) to $182,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $115,000, a financial controller in Des Moines earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for financial controller pay? ▼
Des Moines's median financial controller salary of $115,000 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $111,250. 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 financial controller salary of $115,000 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a financial controller in Des Moines? ▼
Most financial controller positions in Des Moines require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Financial Reporting, GAAP, ERP Systems, Budgeting. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.