Data Analyst in Des Moines, IA

The Salary Picture: Where Des Moines Stands

As a local, I can tell you straight up: Des Moines pays its data analysts competitively, especially when you factor in the cost of living. The median salary here sits at $81,534/year, or about $39.2/hour. That’s slightly below the national average of $83,360/year, but don’t let that fool you. When you account for Des Moines’s cost of living index of 92.7 (100 being the national average), your paycheck stretches significantly further here than it would in Chicago or Denver.

The job market is active but not flooded. There are roughly 420 data analyst positions in the metro area at any given time. More importantly, the 10-year job growth projection is a robust 36%, which outpaces many national averages. This growth is driven by the concentration of insurance, finance, and healthcare sectors—all heavy users of data.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Salary Range (Annual)	Notes for Des Moines
Entry-Level	0-2	$55,000 - $68,000	Often starts in support roles at larger firms (Principal, Wells Fargo). SQL & Excel are non-negotiable.
Mid-Level	3-7	$70,000 - $92,000	Median of $81,534 sits here. Expect to lead smaller projects and use Python/R.
Senior/Lead	8-12	$95,000 - $115,000	Client-facing work common. At companies like Holmes Murphy or MidAmerican Energy.
Expert/Manager	12+	$120,000+	Often requires managing a team or deep domain expertise (e.g., actuarial data, health outcomes).

Compared to other Iowa cities, Des Moines is the clear leader for data roles. In Cedar Rapids (a smaller metro, ~130,000 pop), you'll find more manufacturing and aerospace data jobs, but salaries trend 5-10% lower. Iowa City (home to the University of Iowa) has a strong demand for health and research analysts, with salaries comparable to Des Moines, but the job market is smaller and more academic. For a data analyst seeking corporate growth and higher pay, Des Moines is the epicenter.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. You’re earning the median salary of $81,534. After federal, state (Iowa’s progressive tax up to 6.5%), and FICA taxes, your annual take-home pay is approximately $61,500 (roughly $5,125/month). This is a conservative estimate; your actual take-home depends on your filing status and deductions.

The average 1BR rent in the Des Moines metro is $899/month. Let’s build a sample monthly budget:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$899	Varies widely by neighborhood (see below).
Utilities	$150	Includes electricity, gas, internet.
Groceries	$350	Based on a single person, cooking at home.
Transportation	$250	Car payment/insurance or public transit.
Health Insurance	$200	Employer-subsidized, typical share.
Discretionary/Savings	$3,276	$5,125 - $1,849
Total	$5,125

This leaves over $3,200/month for savings, investments, entertainment, and debt payments. This is a very comfortable margin compared to national standards.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Des Moines metro is around $250,000. With your take-home pay, a 20% down payment ($50,000) is challenging but feasible with disciplined savings, especially if you have a partner. A 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest on a $250,000 home would cost about $1,580/month (PITI). This is higher than rent but still manageable on a single $81,534 salary, especially if you put more down. Many local data analysts I know bought homes within 3-5 years of starting their careers here.

Where the Jobs Are: Des Moines's Major Employers

Des Moines isn’t a tech hub like Austin, but it’s a powerhouse for specific industries that rely heavily on data. The "Silicon Prairie" vibe is real, but it’s more about insurance and finance than consumer tech.

1. Principal Financial Group (Downtown & West Des Moines): The biggest employer for data analysts. They hire hundreds across actuarial science, marketing analytics, and risk modeling. Hiring is steady; they value SQL, Python, and knowledge of financial regulations.
2. Wells Fargo (West Des Moines): Their large campus is a major hub for data operations, fraud detection, and customer analytics. They often have a pipeline of entry-level and mid-level roles.
3. MidAmerican Energy (Downtown): Utility data is a growing niche. Analysts here work on grid optimization, customer usage patterns, and infrastructure forecasting. More engineering-focused, but a great stable employer.
4. John Deere (Ankeny, IA - 30 min north): While technically in the Des Moines metro, John Deere’s data needs are massive—precision agriculture, supply chain, and IoT data from equipment. A unique blend of tech and manufacturing.
5. Holmes Murphy & Associates (W. Des Moines): One of the largest independent insurance brokers in the US. Their data team focuses on client analytics, risk assessment, and custom reporting. A great mid-size company culture.
6. State of Iowa (Various locations): Government jobs offer stability and solid benefits. The Iowa Department of Public Health, Revenue, and Transportation all have growing data units. Pay is slightly lower than the private sector, but the work-life balance is exceptional.
7. UnityPoint Health & MercyOne (Des Moines & Clive): The healthcare sector is booming. Analysts here work on patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and financial reporting. Requires some domain knowledge in healthcare metrics.

Insider Tip: The local job market for data analysts peaks in Q1 (Jan-Mar) and Q3 (Aug-Oct). Companies hire in bursts after budget approvals. Networking through the local Iowa Technology Association or Des Moines Data Science Meetup is more effective than cold applying on Indeed.

Getting Licensed in IA

For data analysts, there is no state-specific license required to work in Iowa. You do not need a board certification or state exam, unlike fields like accounting or engineering. This makes entry relatively straightforward.

However, certain certifications are highly valued and can substitute for a license in terms of credibility and pay bumps:

• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate: A great entry point, often recognized by local employers.
• Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate: Very relevant, especially for roles heavy in Power BI (common in corporate Des Moines).
• SAS Certified Specialist: Less common but still valuable in the insurance and healthcare sectors (Principal, UnityPoint).

Costs & Timeline:

• Certifications: Typically $100-$300 per exam.
• Timeline to Get Started: If you have a bachelor's degree in a related field (math, stats, business, CS), you can be job-ready in 3-6 months by completing a certification and building a portfolio. For career changers, a 12-month bootcamp or master's degree (like the one at Drake University) is a common path.

The process is simple: polish your LinkedIn, pick a certification relevant to your target industry, and start applying. The barrier to entry is lower here than in regulated professions.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Where you live in Des Moines impacts your commute, social life, and rent. Here’s a local’s guide to the best areas for data professionals.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit
Downtown	Urban, walkable, young professional. 5-10 min bike ride to Principal/Wells Fargo.	$1,100 - $1,400	Zero commute to major employers. Great for networking and nightlife.
West Des Moines (Near Campus/Clive)	Suburban, family-friendly. 15-20 min commute to downtown.	$950 - $1,200	Close to Wells Fargo, Holmes Murphy, and top-rated schools. More space.
The East Village	Trendy, historic district. 10 min bike or scooter to downtown.	$900 - $1,250	Similar to downtown but with more character and slightly lower rent on the edges.
Ingersoll Ave (Drake area)	Established, walkable. 10-15 min commute.	$800 - $1,000	Affordable, great local restaurants, and a mix of young professionals and families.
Ankeny	Suburban, car-dependent. 25-30 min to downtown (or 20 min to John Deere).	$750 - $950	Best for John Deere analysts. Newer apartments, big-box stores, excellent schools.

Insider Tip: If you work downtown, don’t overlook the Gray's Lake area. It offers a great balance of quiet, lake views, and a quick walk to the office. Parking downtown is surprisingly affordable if your employer doesn't provide it—expect ~$75/month for a surface lot spot.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 36% is your most important metric here. This isn’t speculation; it’s based on the expansion of existing firms (Principal, Wells Fargo, healthcare systems) and the arrival of new fintech and insurance tech startups.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement:

• Insurance/Actuarial Analytics: This is a premium niche in Des Moines. Analysts who understand actuarial science or ratemaking can command salaries 10-20% above the median. Principal and Holmes Murphy are the key players.
• Healthcare Analytics: Growing fast. Specializing in patient outcomes or operational efficiency can lead to roles at UnityPoint or the Iowa Department of Public Health. Pay is solid, and the work is mission-driven.
• Marketing Analytics: Strong demand at consumer-facing companies. Skills in A/B testing, customer segmentation, and digital analytics (Google Analytics, Adobe) are highly sought after at firms like Wells Fargo and local marketing agencies.

Advancement Path: The typical path is Analyst → Senior Analyst → Lead Analyst/Manager. With 8-12 years of experience, you can move into management, which is where salaries jump to the $120,000+ range. A common move is to transition from a corporate analyst role to a consulting position at a place like Deloitte (which has a growing Des Moines office) or a boutique firm, which can offer higher pay and more variety.

The Verdict: Is Des Moines Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely low cost of living relative to salary.	Not a "tech hub"—fewer startups and pure tech companies.
Stable job market in resilient industries (insurance, finance, healthcare).	Social scene is more family-oriented; nightlife is quieter.
Easy, short commutes. You can bike or walk in most neighborhoods.	Winters are harsh (cold, snow) from Nov-Mar.
Friendly, accessible community—easy to build a professional network.	Limited public transit; a car is almost essential.
Great for buying a home and building long-term wealth.	Cultural scene is growing but smaller than major metros.

Final Recommendation: Des Moines is an ideal launchpad for data analysts who value financial stability, low stress, and the ability to own a home. If you crave the buzz of a major tech scene or a bustling coastal city, you may find it quiet. But if you’re pragmatic—want to make a great salary, save money, and have a high quality of life—Des Moines is one of the best-kept secrets in the Midwest. The 36% job growth ensures your career won’t stagnate.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Des Moines?
Almost certainly. While downtown and the East Village are walkable, and the bus system (DART) exists, the metro is spread out. Most data analysts I know drive to work, especially if they live in suburbs like West Des Moines or Ankeny. A reliable car is a practical necessity.

2. How competitive is the job market for entry-level roles?
It’s competitive but not cutthroat. For each entry-level job posting, you might get 50-100 applicants. The key is to tailor your application to the local industry—emphasize any experience with finance, insurance, or healthcare data, even in academic projects. Networking here goes a long way; a referral can set you apart.

3. What’s the work-life balance like?
Generally excellent. Most corporate employers (Principal, Wells Fargo) are known for 40-hour weeks. The culture is not "hustle" like in San Francisco. Consulting roles or startups may have longer hours, but they are the exception. You’ll have time for hobbies and a social life.

4. Is a master’s degree necessary?
No. While a master’s in Data Science or Statistics (from Drake or Iowa State) can help for senior or specialized roles, the vast majority of data analysts here have a bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field. A strong portfolio and relevant certifications are often more valuable than another degree.

5. What’s the dating/social scene like for a single professional?
It’s what you make of it. There are active young professional groups (YPI, Des Moines Young Professionals) and a growing number of bars and events downtown. It’s not a city of endless strangers, so you’ll see the same faces. It’s easier to build a community here than in a larger, more transient city.