Hospitality & Tourism Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Travel Agent Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median travel agent salary in Des Moines, IA is $42,688 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$42,688
vs State Avg
+$1,392
vs National
$-3,712
Cost of Living
92%

Travel Agent Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median travel agent salary of $42,688, which is $1,392 above the Iowa state average of $41,296. Compared to the national median of $46,400, 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 travel agents in Des Moines spans from $25,760 at the 10th percentile to $71,760 at the 90th percentile — a $46,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,600, while senior travel agents with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $66,240. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Travel Agent Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level travel agent earns around $27,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,600
$-2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,160
$-3,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,240
$-5,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $25,760
25th Percentile $33,120
Median (50th) $42,688
75th Percentile $56,120
90th Percentile $71,760

Travel Agent Salary in Other Iowa Cities

How to Become a Travel Agent in Des Moines

Education

Most travel agent positions require a high school diploma. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Booking SystemsDestination KnowledgeCustomer ServiceSalesItinerary PlanningProblem Solving

Job Outlook

Nationally, travel agent 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 Travel Agent Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open travel agent positions in Des Moines, IA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Travel Agent Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Travel Agent make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median travel agent salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $42,688 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $46,400. Salaries range from $25,760 (10th percentile) to $71,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Travel Agent make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,688, a travel agent in Des Moines earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for travel agent pay? ▼
Des Moines's median travel agent salary of $42,688 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $41,296. 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 travel agent salary of $42,688 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a travel agent in Des Moines? ▼
Most travel agent positions in Des Moines require a high school diploma. Key skills include Booking Systems, Destination Knowledge, Customer Service, Sales. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.