Paralegal Salary in Des Moines, Iowa
The median paralegal salary in Des Moines, IA is $54,464 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.
Paralegal Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)
Des Moines offers a median paralegal salary of $54,464, which is $1,776 above the Iowa state average of $52,688. Compared to the national median of $59,200, 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 paralegals in Des Moines spans from $35,328 at the 10th percentile to $85,008 at the 90th percentile — a $49,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,800, while senior paralegals with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $78,200. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Paralegal Salary in Des Moines by Experience
In Des Moines, an entry-level paralegal earns around $36,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,200 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 | $35,328 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,056 |
| Median (50th) | $54,464 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $85,008 |
Paralegal Salary in Other Iowa Cities
How to Become a Paralegal in Des Moines
Education
Most paralegal positions require a associate's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, paralegal employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Paralegal Jobs in Des Moines
Browse open paralegal positions in Des Moines, IA: