Psychologist Salary in Des Moines, Iowa
The median psychologist salary in Des Moines, IA is $78,504 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.
Psychologist Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)
Des Moines offers a median psychologist salary of $78,504, which is $2,560 above the Iowa state average of $75,944. Compared to the national median of $85,330, 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 psychologists in Des Moines spans from $44,160 at the 10th percentile to $142,600 at the 90th percentile — a $98,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,840, while senior psychologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $133,400. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Psychologist Salary in Des Moines by Experience
In Des Moines, an entry-level psychologist earns around $47,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $133,400 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 | $44,160 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,880 |
| Median (50th) | $78,504 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,800 |
| 90th Percentile | $142,600 |
Psychologist Salary in Other Iowa Cities
How to Become a Psychologist in Des Moines
Education
Most psychologist positions require a doctoral degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, psychologist 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 Psychologist Jobs in Des Moines
Browse open psychologist positions in Des Moines, IA: