The Accountant's Guide to Des Moines, Iowa

If you're an accountant considering a move to Des Moines, you're looking at a city that offers a surprising amount of professional opportunity without the crushing cost of living found in coastal metros. As a local who has watched this market evolve, I can tell you that Des Moines isn't just the state capital; it's a stable, growing hub for financial services, insurance, and agriculture-related industries. It’s a city where you can build a solid career, buy a home, and still have time and money for a life outside the office.

This guide is built on hard data, local knowledge, and the kind of practical insights you won't find on a generic job board. Let's break down what it means to be an accountant in Des Moines.

The Salary Picture: Where Des Moines Stands

The financial reality for accountants in Des Moines is favorable when you weigh it against the cost of living. The median salary for an accountant here is $84,194/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.48/hour. It's important to situate this number: it's slightly below the national average of $86,080/year, but the gap is minimal. When you factor in Des Moines's significantly lower cost of living (index of 92.7 vs. the U.S. average of 100), your salary goes much further here than it would in Chicago, Denver, or Atlanta.

The job market is stable and sized for a midsize city. There are approximately 420 accountant and auditor jobs in the Des Moines metro area. The 10-year job growth projection for the profession is a modest 4%, which reflects the broader national trend of steady, rather than explosive, demand. This isn't a boomtown market; it's a reliable one, ideal for professionals seeking long-term stability.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salary progression in Des Moines follows a logical, experience-based curve. Local firms and corporations adjust pay based on skills, certifications (like the CPA), and years of experience.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Des Moines)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$70,000 - $95,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$90,000 - $120,000
Expert/Managerial	15+ years	$115,000 - $150,000+

Note: These ranges are synthesized from local job postings and industry reports. Salaries can exceed these ranges in specialized corporate or public accounting roles.

Comparison to Other Iowa Cities

How does Des Moines stack up against other hubs in the state? It's the clear leader in both job volume and salary, given its status as the corporate and governmental center.

City	Median Salary	Key Industries for Accountants
Des Moines	$84,194	Insurance, Finance, Government, Agriculture, Healthcare
Cedar Rapids	$72,500	Manufacturing (Collins Aerospace), Healthcare
Davenport (Quad Cities)	$70,200	Manufacturing, Healthcare, Logistics
Iowa City	$68,800	University of Iowa, Healthcare, Biotech
Ames	$67,900	Iowa State University, Agriculture, Biotech

Salary estimates are approximate and based on regional data from BLS and salary.com.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to the month-to-month reality. Using the median salary of $84,194, we can build a practical budget.

Assumptions:

• Taxes: A single filer with no dependents can expect an effective tax rate of roughly 25-28% (including federal, state, and FICA). We'll use $1,850/month for a conservative estimate (approx. 26.3% of gross).
• Rent: The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Des Moines is $899/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary)

Category	Monthly Amount	Notes
Gross Salary (Monthly)	$7,016	$84,194 / 12
Net Take-Home (After Taxes)	~$5,166	Conservative estimate
Rent (Avg. 1BR)	$899	Varies by neighborhood (see below)
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Assumes a modest car payment
Groceries	$350
Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored)	$250	Employee portion of premium
Discretionary Spending (Dining, Entertainment, Gym)	$600
Retirement Savings (401k, 10% of gross)	$700	Highly recommended
Remaining Buffer	~$1,717	For debt, savings, or investments

Insider Tip: The $899 average rent is a city-wide figure. You can find a decent 1-bedroom in areas like the East Village or near Drake University for close to that. However, a new luxury apartment in the Court Avenue District will run you $1,200-$1,500. The key is balancing commute with housing cost.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. This is one of the biggest perks of being an accountant in Des Moines. With a median salary of $84,194, you are in a strong position.

• Home Price Reality: The median home price in the Des Moines metro is approximately $280,000 - $320,000.
• The Math: A standard 20% down payment on a $300,000 home is $60,000. As a single accountant earning the median salary, you could realistically save this in 5-7 years while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle, especially if you have a partner who also works. A 30-year mortgage at 6.5% on a $240,000 loan (after a 20% down payment) would be roughly $1,517/month (including taxes and insurance). This is less than 25% of your gross monthly income, which is a very healthy ratio.

Personal Insight: Many of my accountant friends bought their first homes in the Beaverdale or Greenwood neighborhoods—areas with good schools, older but well-maintained homes, and a reasonable commute to downtown.

Where the Jobs Are: Des Moines's Major Employers

The job market for accountants in Des Moines is diverse and anchored by several major sectors. Here’s where you’ll find the most opportunities:

1. Principal Financial Group: A huge employer in downtown Des Moines. They hire accountants for internal corporate roles, financial reporting, and audit. Principal is known for stability and robust benefits. They have a massive campus that feels like its own district.
2. EMC Insurance Companies: Another giant headquartered in Des Moines. They have a constant need for accountants in actuarial support, financial analysis, and compliance. The culture is traditionally corporate and steady.
3. Wells Fargo: Their Des Moines metro campus is one of the largest in the country, employing thousands. Opportunities range from internal audit and compliance to accounting roles within their mortgage and commercial banking divisions.
4. Pella Corporation: While headquartered in the smaller town of Pella (about 45 minutes southeast), they are a major regional employer with a significant accounting and finance presence in the Des Moines area. They often hire for roles in cost accounting and financial planning.
5. Iowa State Government: As the state capital, the government is a massive employer. The Department of Revenue, Department of Administrative Services, and the State Auditor's office are key hirers for accountants and auditors. State jobs offer excellent benefits and job security.
6. UnityPoint Health & MercyOne: The two major healthcare systems have their corporate headquarters in Des Moines. They hire accountants for revenue cycle management, financial reporting, and cost accounting. The healthcare sector is a growing source of accounting jobs.
7. Large Regional CPA Firms: The "Big 4" (PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG) have offices here, but the real meat is with the regional and local firms like Singer, Lewak, Greenbaum & Smith, LLP or Larsen & Company. These firms handle the bulk of local business audits and tax work.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is consistent but not frenetic. The best time to look is January through April (post-tax season) and late summer. Networking is critical; the Des Moines accounting community is tight-knit. Attend events hosted by the Iowa Society of CPAs (IASCPA) or the local Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) chapter.

Getting Licensed in Iowa

To practice as a CPA in Iowa, you must meet the requirements set by the Iowa Board of Accountancy. The process is straightforward but requires diligence.

Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor's degree (150 semester hours) from an accredited university. The degree must include 24 semester hours in accounting and 24 semester hours in business courses.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, FAR, REG, BEC).
3. Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of qualifying accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs:

• CPA Exam Fees (all four sections): ~$1,000 - $1,200 (varies by jurisdiction).
• Application/Licensing Fee (Iowa): ~$150 - $200.
• Ethics Exam: ~$150.
• Study Materials: $1,500 - $3,000 (e.g., Becker, Roger CPA, Surgent). This is the biggest variable and a critical investment.
• Total Estimated Cost: $3,000 - $4,500.

Timeline: From starting your exams to full licensure, plan for 12-18 months. The process is efficient in Iowa, and the Board is known for being responsive.

Insider Tip: If you're relocating, ensure your experience from another state will transfer. Iowa is part of the NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy) reciprocity system, which streamlines the process for CPAs licensed in other U.S. jurisdictions.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Des Moines depends on your lifestyle and commute. Most accounting jobs are concentrated downtown or in the western suburbs.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown / East Village	Urban, walkable, vibrant nightlife. 5-15 min commute to most offices.	$1,050 - $1,500	Young professionals who want a social scene and short commute.
Ingersoll Ave / Drake University	Historic, charming, slightly bohemian. 10-20 min commute.	$850 - $1,100	Those who like character, older homes, and a mix of students/professionals.
West Des Moines / Clive	Suburban, family-oriented, excellent schools. 15-30 min commute.	$950 - $1,250	Accountants with families or who prefer a quiet, suburban lifestyle.
Beaverdale	Classic 1950s suburb, strong community feel, great parks. 15-25 min commute.	$800 - $1,000	Homebuyers looking for affordability and a strong neighborhood vibe.
Windsor Heights	Small, safe, and centrally located. Very convenient commute.	$850 - $1,050	Those who prioritize an easy, predictable commute above all else.

Personal Insight: If you're single and new to the city, I'd recommend renting in the East Village for a year. It's a fantastic way to get to know the city's social heartbeat. If you're ready to buy, the Greenwood neighborhood offers a great balance of affordability, charm, and accessibility.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Des Moines, career growth for accountants is more about specialization and reputation than rapid, title-based promotion. The path is clear but requires proactive effort.

• Specialty Premiums: The CPA license is the baseline. Specializing can boost your salary by 10-20%. High-demand specialties in Des Moines include:

  • Forensic Accounting: Growing need in insurance and legal sectors.
  • IT Audit / Cybersecurity: Critical for major banks and insurance companies.
  • Cost Accounting: A staple in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors (e.g., Pella, John Deere).
  • Tax Strategy for Agribusiness: A unique, high-value niche in this state.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Public Accounting: Staff Accountant → Senior → Manager → Senior Manager → Partner. The timeline is slow and competitive.
  • Industry (Corporate): Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO. This path often moves faster in mid-sized, growing companies.
  • Government: The path is structured and based on seniority and exam performance. It offers unparalleled job security and benefits but can be less dynamic.

• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth rate, competition will remain steady. The key differentiators will be technological adaptability (ERP systems like NetSuite, advanced Excel, data analytics) and soft skills. Network relentlessly. The person who gets the promotion is often the one who is already known in the industry long before the job is posted.

The Verdict: Is Des Moines Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordability: A median salary of $84,194 goes very far here.	Limited Scale: Fewer Fortune 500 HQs than in Chicago or Minneapolis.
Stable Job Market: Anchor employers in insurance, finance, and government.	Winters Can Be Harsh: Cold, snowy, and gray from November to March.
Quality of Life: Easy commutes, strong communities, good schools.	Social Scene is Smaller: Fewer world-class museums, concerts, and events.
Central Location: Easy drive to Omaha, Kansas City, Chicago, and Minneapolis.	"Small Pond" Effect: The professional network can feel insular; reputation matters a lot.
Healthy Housing Market: Homeownership is a realistic goal for a single professional.	Slower Pace of Innovation: Less cutting-edge in fintech compared to coastal hubs.

Final Recommendation:
Des Moines is an excellent choice for career-focused accountants who value stability, work-life balance, and financial well-being. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home and raise a family, as well as for entry-level accountants seeking a low-stress, high-opportunity environment to launch their careers. It's less suitable for those seeking a fast-paced, high-risk/high-reward startup culture or an endless array of nightlife and cultural amenities.

If you're a CPA with 3-8 years of experience and you're tired of the high cost of living elsewhere, Des Moines is a logical and rewarding destination.

FAQs

1. I'm moving from a larger city like Chicago or Denver. How will my lifestyle change?
You'll likely experience a significant upgrade in your quality of life. Your commute will drop from 45+ minutes to 15-20 minutes. You'll be able to afford a larger apartment or a starter home. The city has most big-city amenities (great restaurants, a decent arts scene, professional sports), but it's all more accessible and less crowded. The main adjustment is the scale of the cultural calendar and the winters.

2. How important is the CPA license in the Des Moines market?
It's very important. While you can find staff accountant roles without it, the CPA is the key that unlocks senior, managerial, and higher-paying positions. Almost all controllers, CFOs, and partners at firms hold a CPA. It's the expected credential for serious career advancement.

3. What's the best way to network when I'm new to the city?
Start with the Iowa Society of CPAs (IASCPA). Attend their monthly chapter meetings or annual conference. Join local professional groups on LinkedIn. Many firms host "lunch and learn" sessions that are open to the public. Des Moines is a city where a personal introduction carries weight, so don't be shy about reaching out to alumni from your university who are now in the area.

4. Are there opportunities for remote work?
Yes, especially post-pandemic. Many local employers, including the major insurance companies and CPA firms, offer hybrid schedules (2-3 days in the office). Some roles, particularly in corporate accounting for tech or consulting firms, may be fully remote. However, for the first few years of your career in Des Moines, being in the office is beneficial for learning and building relationships.

5. How do the seasons affect day-to-day life as a professional here?
You'll need to be prepared. Winters are cold and snowy; investing in a good