Human Resources Manager Salary in Des Moines, IA: $119,600 (2026)

Human Resources Manager Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median human resources manager salary of $119,600, which is $3,900 above the Iowa state average of $115,700. Compared to the national median of $130,000, 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 human resources managers in Des Moines spans from $71,944 at the 10th percentile to $191,360 at the 90th percentile — a $119,416 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,800, while senior human resources managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $151,800. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Human Resources Manager Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level human resources manager earns around $59,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $151,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$59,800

$-5,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$96,600

$-8,400 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$151,800

$-13,200 vs national

Percentile	Des Moines	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$71,944	$69,598	$78,200
25th Percentile	$92,920	$89,890	$101,000
Median (50th)	$119,600	$115,700	$130,000
75th Percentile	$153,640	$148,630	$167,000
90th Percentile	$191,360	$185,120	$208,000

Percentile

Des Moines

10th Percentile

$71,944

25th Percentile

$92,920

Median (50th)

$119,600

75th Percentile

$153,640

90th Percentile

$191,360

How to Become a Human Resources Manager in Des Moines

Education

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

Key Skills

Talent AcquisitionEmployee RelationsHRIS SystemsComplianceBenefits AdministrationLeadership

Job Outlook

Nationally, human resources manager employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Human Resources Manager Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Human Resources Manager make in Des Moines, IA? ▼

The median human resources manager salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $119,600 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $130,000. Salaries range from $71,944 (10th percentile) to $191,360 (90th percentile).

How much does a Human Resources Manager make per hour in Des Moines? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $119,600, a human resources manager in Des Moines earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for human resources manager pay? ▼

Des Moines's median human resources manager salary of $119,600 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $115,700. 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 human resources manager salary of $119,600 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a human resources manager in Des Moines? ▼

Most human resources manager positions in Des Moines require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, HRIS Systems, Compliance. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

Human Resources Manager Salary in Des Moines, Iowa