Technology Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Systems Administrator Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median systems administrator salary in Des Moines, IA is $75,481 per year, which is 11% below the national median and 3.5% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$75,481
vs State Avg
+$2,544
vs National
$-9,329
Cost of Living
92%

Systems Administrator Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median systems administrator salary of $75,481, which is $2,544 above the Iowa state average of $72,937. Compared to the national median of $84,810, 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 systems administrators in Des Moines spans from $46,280 at the 10th percentile to $117,480 at the 90th percentile — a $71,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,950, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $111,250. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Systems Administrator Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $48,950, while experienced professionals earn up to $111,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,950
$-6,050 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,540
$-9,460 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$111,250
$-13,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $46,280
25th Percentile $59,630
Median (50th) $75,481
75th Percentile $96,120
90th Percentile $117,480

Systems Administrator Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$78,025
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$72,089
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$70,392
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$68,696
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Des Moines

Education

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

Key Skills

LinuxWindows ServerActive DirectoryNetworkingVirtualizationScripting

Job Outlook

Nationally, systems administrator 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 Systems Administrator Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open systems administrator positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $75,481 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $46,280 (10th percentile) to $117,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,481, a systems administrator in Des Moines earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Des Moines's median systems administrator salary of $75,481 is 3.5% above the Iowa state average of $72,937. 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 systems administrator salary of $75,481 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Des Moines? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Des Moines require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Linux, Windows Server, Active Directory, Networking. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.