Librarian Salary in Des Moines, Iowa
The median librarian salary in Des Moines, IA is $56,295 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.
Librarian Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)
Des Moines offers a median librarian salary of $56,295, which is $1,836 above the Iowa state average of $54,459. Compared to the national median of $61,190, 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 librarians in Des Moines spans from $36,064 at the 10th percentile to $88,872 at the 90th percentile — a $52,808 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,640, while senior librarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,960. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Librarian Salary in Des Moines by Experience
In Des Moines, an entry-level librarian earns around $38,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 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 | $36,064 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,080 |
| Median (50th) | $56,295 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,024 |
| 90th Percentile | $88,872 |
Librarian Salary in Other Iowa Cities
How to Become a Librarian in Des Moines
Education
Most librarian positions require a master's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, librarian employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Librarian Jobs in Des Moines
Browse open librarian positions in Des Moines, IA: