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.
Journalist Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)
Des Moines offers a median journalist salary of $51,483, which is $1,679 above the Iowa state average of $49,804. Compared to the national median of $55,960, 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 journalists in Des Moines spans from $29,440 at the 10th percentile to $101,200 at the 90th percentile — a $71,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,200, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,000. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
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.
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
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
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: