Police Officer Salary in Des Moines, Iowa
The median police officer salary in Des Moines, IA is $60,527 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.
Police Officer Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)
Des Moines offers a median police officer salary of $60,527, which is $1,974 above the Iowa state average of $58,553. Compared to the national median of $65,790, 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 police officers in Des Moines spans from $37,168 at the 10th percentile to $97,520 at the 90th percentile — a $60,352 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,640, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,160. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Police Officer Salary in Des Moines by Experience
In Des Moines, an entry-level police officer earns around $38,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,160 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 | $37,168 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,104 |
| Median (50th) | $60,527 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,224 |
| 90th Percentile | $97,520 |
Police Officer Salary in Other Iowa Cities
How to Become a Police Officer in Des Moines
Education
Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, police officer 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 Police Officer Jobs in Des Moines
Browse open police officer positions in Des Moines, IA: