Creative & Education Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Social Worker Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median social worker salary in Des Moines, IA is $50,922 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$50,922
vs State Avg
+$1,660
vs National
$-4,428
Cost of Living
92%

Social Worker Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level social worker earns around $34,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,960
$-3,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,520
$-4,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $33,488
25th Percentile $40,664
Median (50th) $50,922
75th Percentile $64,768
90th Percentile $80,776

Social Worker Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$52,583
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$48,708
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$47,601
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$46,494
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Social Worker in Des Moines

Education

Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open social worker positions in Des Moines, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Social Worker make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median social worker salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $50,922 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $33,488 (10th percentile) to $80,776 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,922, a social worker in Des Moines earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for social worker pay? ▼
Des Moines's median social worker salary of $50,922 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $49,262. 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 social worker salary of $50,922 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Des Moines? ▼
Most social worker positions in Des Moines require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.