Media & Communications Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Journalist Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median journalist salary in Des Moines, IA is $51,483 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$51,483
vs State Avg
+$1,679
vs National
$-4,477
Cost of Living
92%

Journalist Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level journalist earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,360
$-4,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,000
$-8,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $29,440
25th Percentile $36,800
Median (50th) $51,483
75th Percentile $71,760
90th Percentile $101,200

Journalist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$53,162
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$49,245
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$48,126
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$47,006
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Journalist in Des Moines

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook

Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Journalist Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open journalist positions in Des Moines, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Journalist make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median journalist salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $51,483 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $29,440 (10th percentile) to $101,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,483, a journalist in Des Moines earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for journalist pay? ▼
Des Moines's median journalist salary of $51,483 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $49,804. 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 journalist salary of $51,483 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Des Moines? ▼
Most journalist positions in Des Moines require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Writing, Investigative Research, Interviewing, AP Style. The job market is projected to grow -3% nationally over the next decade.