Healthcare Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Pharmacist Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median pharmacist salary in Des Moines, IA is $122,130 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$122,130
vs State Avg
+$3,982
vs National
$-10,620
Cost of Living
92%

Pharmacist Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median pharmacist salary of $122,130, which is $3,982 above the Iowa state average of $118,148. Compared to the national median of $132,750, 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 pharmacists in Des Moines spans from $88,504 at the 10th percentile to $152,536 at the 90th percentile — a $64,032 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $92,000, while senior pharmacists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $145,360. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Pharmacist Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level pharmacist earns around $92,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$92,000
$-8,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$119,600
$-10,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$145,360
$-12,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $88,504
25th Percentile $107,640
Median (50th) $122,130
75th Percentile $140,024
90th Percentile $152,536

Pharmacist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$126,113
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$116,820
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$114,165
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$111,510
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Pharmacist in Des Moines

Education

Most pharmacist positions require a doctoral degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PharmacologyPatient CounselingDrug InteractionsCompoundingClinical ReviewPharmacy Software

Job Outlook

Nationally, pharmacist employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Pharmacist Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open pharmacist positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Pharmacist Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Pharmacist make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median pharmacist salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $122,130 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $132,750. Salaries range from $88,504 (10th percentile) to $152,536 (90th percentile).
How much does a Pharmacist make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $122,130, a pharmacist in Des Moines earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for pharmacist pay? ▼
Des Moines's median pharmacist salary of $122,130 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $118,148. 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 pharmacist salary of $122,130 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a pharmacist in Des Moines? ▼
Most pharmacist positions in Des Moines require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Pharmacology, Patient Counseling, Drug Interactions, Compounding. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.