Engineering Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Industrial Engineer Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median industrial engineer salary in Des Moines, IA is $87,676 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$87,676
vs State Avg
+$2,859
vs National
$-7,624
Cost of Living
92%

Industrial Engineer Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median industrial engineer salary of $87,676, which is $2,859 above the Iowa state average of $84,817. Compared to the national median of $95,300, 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 industrial engineers in Des Moines spans from $56,120 at the 10th percentile to $136,160 at the 90th percentile — a $80,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,880, while senior industrial engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $130,640. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Industrial Engineer Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level industrial engineer earns around $58,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,880
$-5,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,320
$-7,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,640
$-11,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $56,120
25th Percentile $69,920
Median (50th) $87,676
75th Percentile $110,400
90th Percentile $136,160

Industrial Engineer Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$90,535
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$83,864
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$81,958
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$80,052
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Industrial Engineer in Des Moines

Education

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

Key Skills

Lean ManufacturingSix SigmaProcess OptimizationAutoCADStatistical AnalysisOperations Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, industrial engineer employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Industrial Engineer Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open industrial engineer positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Industrial Engineer Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Industrial Engineer make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median industrial engineer salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $87,676 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $95,300. Salaries range from $56,120 (10th percentile) to $136,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Industrial Engineer make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,676, a industrial engineer in Des Moines earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for industrial engineer pay? ▼
Des Moines's median industrial engineer salary of $87,676 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $84,817. 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 industrial engineer salary of $87,676 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a industrial engineer in Des Moines? ▼
Most industrial engineer positions in Des Moines require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Process Optimization, AutoCAD. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.