Public Service Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in Des Moines, IA is $72,441 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$72,441
vs State Avg
+$2,362
vs National
$-6,299
Cost of Living
92%

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median occupational health & safety specialist salary of $72,441, which is $2,362 above the Iowa state average of $70,079. Compared to the national median of $78,740, 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 occupational health & safety specialists in Des Moines spans from $44,160 at the 10th percentile to $112,240 at the 90th percentile — a $68,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,000, while senior occupational health & safety specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,560. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level occupational health & safety specialist earns around $46,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,000
$-4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,600
$-6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,560
$-9,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $44,160
25th Percentile $57,040
Median (50th) $72,441
75th Percentile $92,000
90th Percentile $112,240

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$74,803
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$69,291
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$67,716
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$66,142
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist in Des Moines

Education

Most occupational health & safety specialist positions require a bachelor's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

OSHA RegulationsHazard AssessmentSafety TrainingIndustrial HygieneReport WritingRisk Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational health & safety specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open occupational health & safety specialist positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $72,441 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $78,740. Salaries range from $44,160 (10th percentile) to $112,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,441, a occupational health & safety specialist in Des Moines earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for occupational health & safety specialist pay? ▼
Des Moines's median occupational health & safety specialist salary of $72,441 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $70,079. 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 occupational health & safety specialist salary of $72,441 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational health & safety specialist in Des Moines? ▼
Most occupational health & safety specialist positions in Des Moines require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include OSHA Regulations, Hazard Assessment, Safety Training, Industrial Hygiene. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.