Business & Finance Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

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.

City Median
$54,464
vs State Avg
+$1,776
vs National
$-4,736
Cost of Living
92%

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.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,200
$-6,800 vs national

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

Iowa City, IA
$56,240
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$52,096
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$50,912
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$49,728
Pop. 85,797

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

Legal ResearchDocument DraftingCase ManagementWestlaw/LexisNexisAttention to DetailCommunication

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:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Paralegal Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Paralegal make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median paralegal salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $54,464 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $59,200. Salaries range from $35,328 (10th percentile) to $85,008 (90th percentile).
How much does a Paralegal make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,464, a paralegal in Des Moines earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for paralegal pay? ▼
Des Moines's median paralegal salary of $54,464 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $52,688. 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 paralegal salary of $54,464 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a paralegal in Des Moines? ▼
Most paralegal positions in Des Moines require a associate's degree. Key skills include Legal Research, Document Drafting, Case Management, Westlaw/LexisNexis. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.