Trades & Labor Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

HVAC Technician Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median hvac technician salary in Des Moines, IA is $47,279 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$47,279
vs State Avg
+$1,542
vs National
$-4,111
Cost of Living
92%

HVAC Technician Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median hvac technician salary of $47,279, which is $1,542 above the Iowa state average of $45,737. Compared to the national median of $51,390, 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 hvac technicians in Des Moines spans from $30,544 at the 10th percentile to $75,992 at the 90th percentile — a $45,448 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,440, while senior hvac technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $71,760. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

HVAC Technician Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level hvac technician earns around $29,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,440
$-2,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,840
$-4,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,760
$-6,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $30,544
25th Percentile $37,536
Median (50th) $47,279
75th Percentile $61,456
90th Percentile $75,992

HVAC Technician Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$48,821
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$45,223
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$44,195
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$43,168
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a HVAC Technician in Des Moines

Education

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

Key Skills

HVAC SystemsRefrigerationElectrical BasicsTroubleshootingEPA CertificationCustomer Service

Job Outlook

Nationally, hvac technician 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.

Find HVAC Technician Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open hvac technician positions in Des Moines, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: HVAC Technician Salary in Des Moines

How much does a HVAC Technician make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median hvac technician salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $47,279 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $30,544 (10th percentile) to $75,992 (90th percentile).
How much does a HVAC Technician make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,279, a hvac technician in Des Moines earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for hvac technician pay? ▼
Des Moines's median hvac technician salary of $47,279 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $45,737. 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 hvac technician salary of $47,279 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a hvac technician in Des Moines? ▼
Most hvac technician positions in Des Moines require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include HVAC Systems, Refrigeration, Electrical Basics, Troubleshooting. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.