Financial Analyst in West Des Moines, IA

The Salary Picture: Where West Des Moines Stands

If you’re a Financial Analyst eyeing West Des Moines, the numbers tell a clear story: you’ll earn a solid median salary in a market that’s both affordable and stable. The median salary for Financial Analysts here is $96,841/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.56/hour. That’s slightly below the national average ($99,010/year), but don’t let that fool you—the cost of living in West Des Moines is what makes this a compelling offer.

With a cost of living index of 92.7 (US average = 100), your paycheck stretches further here than in most places. For context, that’s more affordable than Des Moines proper (index ~94) and significantly cheaper than cities like Chicago or Denver. The metro population of 72,161 means you’re in a mid-sized city with big-city amenities, but without the frantic pace or traffic.

Let’s break down salary expectations by experience level. These are regional estimates based on local job postings and BLS data for the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro:

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range	Key Local Employers at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$65,000 - $80,000	Wells Fargo, MercyOne, local credit unions
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$85,000 - $110,000	Principal Financial Group, Delta Dental, Hy-Vee
Senior-Level (8-12 years)	$110,000 - $140,000	Wells Fargo, Principal, State of Iowa (finance dept.)
Expert/Lead (12+ years)	$140,000 - $180,000+	Principal, Wells Fargo, consulting firms like Deloitte (Des Moines office)

Insider Tip: The “expert” tier often includes roles like Director of Finance or senior portfolio manager. At Principal Financial Group, a senior analyst in their retirement plan services division can hit $150,000+ with bonuses. Don’t just look at base salary—many local firms offer profit-sharing and strong 401(k) matches.

How West Des Moines Compares to Other Iowa Cities:

City	Median Salary (Financial Analyst)	Cost of Living Index	Job Market Size (Metro)
West Des Moines	$96,841	92.7	144 jobs
Des Moines (city proper)	$97,500	94.0	~500 jobs
Cedar Rapids	$92,300	88.5	~80 jobs
Iowa City	$89,700	91.2	~60 jobs
Davenport (Quad Cities)	$91,500	87.3	~70 jobs

West Des Moines sits in a sweet spot: higher salary than Cedar Rapids or Iowa City, but with a lower cost of living than Des Moines. The job market is concentrated in financial services and insurance—two sectors that dominate Iowa’s economy.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about what $96,841/year means in your pocket. Iowa has a progressive income tax system ranging from 0.6% to 6.5%. For a single filer with no dependents, your take-home after federal and state taxes would be roughly $72,000 - $74,000/year (or about $6,000 - $6,167/month). This is a conservative estimate; actual take-home depends on deductions, 401(k) contributions, etc.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Analyst Earning $96,841:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR avg.)	$899/month	See neighborhood breakdown below
Utilities (electric, gas, internet)	$150 - $200	Winter heating can spike in Jan/Feb
Groceries	$350 - $400	Hy-Vee and Fareway are local staples
Transportation	$200 - $300	Gas is ~$3.25/gal; car insurance is moderate
Health Insurance (employer plan)	$150 - $300	Varies by employer; many cover 70-80%
Retirement Savings (401k)	$500 - $800	Aim for 5-8% to get employer match
Discretionary / Entertainment	$400 - $600	Dining, breweries, events
Total Monthly Expenses	$2,649 - $3,499	Leaves $2,500 - $3,500 for savings/debt

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, but it depends on your savings and debt. The median home price in West Des Moines is around $275,000 (as of 2023). With a 20% down payment ($55,000), your monthly mortgage (including taxes/insurance) would be roughly $1,400 - $1,600. That’s higher than rent, but manageable if you’re saving aggressively. Many analysts here buy in the suburbs within 2-3 years of moving—especially if you’re dual-income.

Insider Tip: First-time homebuyer programs in Iowa (like the Iowa Finance Authority’s grants) can reduce your down payment to 3-5%. Check with local lenders like Iowa Mortgage or Community Choice Credit Union.

Where the Jobs Are: West Des Moines's Major Employers

West Des Moines is a hub for financial services, healthcare, and retail corporate offices. The job market is stable, with 144 active financial analyst roles in the metro (per BLS and LinkedIn data). Hiring trends show steady demand, especially in insurance and fintech.

Here are the top local employers, with specific details:

1. Principal Financial Group
   Location: 711 High St (downtown Des Moines, 10 min from West Des Moines)
   Roles: Investment analysis, retirement plan services, corporate finance
   Hiring Trend: Growing in fintech and ESG investing; 50+ analyst openings annually
   Insider Tip: Principal offers a 6% 401(k) match and tuition reimbursement. Their “Analyst Development Program” is great for entry-level hires.

2. Wells Fargo
   Location: 800 Walnut St (downtown), plus branch offices in West Des Moines
   Roles: Credit analysis, commercial banking, risk management
   Hiring Trend: Steady hiring in commercial lending; focus on data analytics skills
   Insider Tip: Their West Des Moines branch on Grand Ave. often has internal mobility opportunities.

3. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
   Location: 1111 6th Ave (Des Moines, 8 min from West Des Moines)
   Roles: Healthcare finance, budgeting, revenue cycle analysis
   Hiring Trend: Increased demand post-pandemic; focus on cost containment
   Insider Tip: MercyOne offers excellent health benefits and loan repayment assistance for analysts with healthcare finance experience.

4. Hy-Vee, Inc.
   Location: 8100 Fleur Dr (corporate office, West Des Moines)
   Roles: Retail finance, supply chain analytics, corporate FP&A
   Hiring Trend: Expanding in data analytics; 20-30 analyst roles yearly
   Insider Tip: Hy-Vee’s corporate culture is collaborative; they value local ties (Iowa-based).

5. Delta Dental of Iowa
   Location: 6300 Corporate Dr (West Des Moines)
   Roles: Actuarial analysis, financial planning, investment management
   Hiring Trend: Steady growth; emphasis on regulatory compliance
   Insider Tip: This is a smaller, stable employer with low turnover. Great for work-life balance.

6. The Iowa Department of Revenue
   Location: 101 E 9th St (Des Moines, 10 min away)
   Roles: Tax policy analysis, revenue forecasting, economic research
   Hiring Trend: Consistent public sector openings; civil service exam required
   Insider Tip: State jobs offer pensions and 90% employer-paid health insurance.

Hiring Trends to Watch:

• Fintech Growth: Companies like Dwolla (based in Des Moines) are expanding in West Des Moines.
• Remote Hybrid: 60% of local analyst roles now offer hybrid schedules (2-3 days in office).
• Skills in Demand: SQL, Python, and Tableau are listed in 70% of job postings.

Insider Tip: Attend the annual Iowa Financial Services Conference in Des Moines (usually in October). It’s a prime networking event with recruiters from all major employers.

Getting Licensed in Iowa

For most Financial Analyst roles in Iowa, you don’t need a state-specific license. However, certain certifications enhance credibility and salary potential. The Iowa Insurance Division regulates some financial roles, but analyst positions typically fall under general finance.

Key Requirements and Costs:

Certification/License	Issuing Body	Cost	Timeline	Why It Matters in Iowa
CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)	CFA Institute	$1,200 - $2,500 (all levels)	3-4 years	Highly valued at Principal and Wells Fargo; boosts salary by 15-20%
Series 7 & 63	FINRA	$80 - $300 (exam fees)	3-6 months	Required for brokerage/analyst roles at firms like Edward Jones
CPA (Certified Public Accountant)	Iowa Board of Accountancy	$150 (exam) + $300 (license)	1-2 years	Useful for corporate finance roles; requires 150 credit hours
IA Insurance License	Iowa Insurance Division	$100 - $200	1-3 months	Needed for actuarial or insurance analysis roles (e.g., Delta Dental)

Timeline to Get Started:

• Immediate (0-3 months): Start with Series 7 or an IA Insurance License if targeting brokerage or insurance roles.
• Short-term (3-12 months): Pursue a relevant certification like the CFA Level I or CPA exam.
• Long-term (1-4 years): Complete the full CFA or CPA credential. Many employers (like Principal) offer tuition reimbursement.

Practical Steps:

1. Check the Iowa Insurance Division website for license requirements if you’re entering insurance.
2. For CFA/CPA, use local study groups—Des Moines has active chapters.
3. Insider Tip: Principal Financial Group often hosts CFA study sessions internally. Ask about this during interviews.

Note: No state-specific license is required for general financial analysis, but always verify with employers. For public sector roles at the Iowa Department of Revenue, a CPA or master’s in finance is preferred.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

West Des Moines offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own commute, vibe, and price point. Here’s a breakdown for analysts, focusing on safety, commute to major employers, and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Commute to Downtown	Lifestyle & Amenities	Best For
Valley Junction	$1,000 - $1,200	10-15 min by car	Historic district, walkable shops, farmers market	Young professionals, social life
Jordan Park	$850 - $950	15-20 min	Quiet, residential, close to Hy-Vee corporate office	Families, budget-conscious
Clive (near Raccoon River)	$900 - $1,100	15-25 min	Suburban feel, parks, good schools	Couples, work-life balance
Downtown Des Moines (adjacent)	$1,100 - $1,300	5-10 min (walk/bike)	Urban, nightlife, restaurants	City lovers, networking access
Windsor Heights	$800 - $950	10-15 min	Affordable, quiet, near I-235	Commuters, first-time renters

Detailed Insights:

• Valley Junction: This is the heart of West Des Moines. Many analysts live here for the community vibe. Rent is higher, but you can walk to breweries like Confluence or cafes. Commute to Principal is easy via I-235.
• Jordan Park: A hidden gem. Prices are lower, and it’s close to the West Des Moines City Hall and Hy-Vee’s HQ. The area is safe and has strong public schools.
• Clive: If you want space, Clive offers townhomes and apartments near the Raccoon River Trail. It’s a 20-minute commute to downtown, but you get more square footage.
• Downtown Adjacent: Living in the East Village (Des Moines) puts you minutes from Principal and Wells Fargo. It’s pricier, but the networking opportunities are unmatched.
• Windsor Heights: The most affordable option. Ideal if you work at Delta Dental or Hy-Vee—both are under 10 minutes away. A quiet, no-frills choice.

Insider Tip: Avoid renting in the Birdland area (north of I-235) if you work downtown. Traffic on I-235 during rush hour (7-8 AM, 5-6 PM) can add 10-15 minutes to your commute. Use Google Maps’ “depart at” feature to test routes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

West Des Moines is a long-term play for financial analysts. The 10-year job growth for the profession is 9% (slightly above the national average for finance roles), driven by Iowa’s stable economy and growing insurance sector.

Specialty Premiums and Advancement Paths:

• Fintech/Data Analytics: Analysts with SQL/Python skills earn 10-15% more than peers. Companies like Dwolla and Principal are investing here.
• Insurance/Actuarial: Specializing in insurance analysis (e.g., at Delta Dental) can lead to actuarial roles, with salaries reaching $130,000+ after certification.
• Corporate Finance (FP&A): At Hy-Vee or Wells Fargo, advancing to Senior FP&A Manager can hit $140,000+ in 5-7 years.
• Public Sector: At the Iowa Department of Revenue, growth is slower but stable—pension and job security are key perks.

10-Year Outlook:

• Job Growth: The 9% growth means about 13 new jobs annually in the metro. Demand will be strongest in healthcare finance (MercyOne) and fintech.
• Salary Trajectory: Starting at $75,000, you could reach $120,000+ in 10 years with promotions and certifications.
• Remote Work: Hybrid models will persist, but in-office days are valued for mentorship—especially at Principal.
• Exit Opportunities: Many analysts move to investment banking in Chicago (3-hour drive) or start consultancies serving Iowa businesses.

Insider Tip: Build a network early. Join the Iowa Financial Professionals group on LinkedIn. Attend the Des Moines Venture Capital Meetup to connect with startups—fintech is growing here.

The Verdict: Is West Des Moines Right for You?

West Des Moines offers a balanced lifestyle for financial analysts: solid pay, low living costs, and a stable job market. It’s not a high-growth tech hub, but it’s a place to build a long-term career without sacrificing quality of life.

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living (rent $899/month avg.)	Limited high-finance roles (no Wall Street here)
Strong employer base (Principal, Wells Fargo)	Winters are harsh (cold, snow from Nov-Mar)
10-year job growth of 9%	Smaller metro (72,161) means fewer networking events
Median salary $96,841 vs. national $99,010	Car-dependent; public transit is limited
Good work-life balance; family-friendly	Cultural scene is smaller than big cities

Final Recommendation:
West Des Moines is ideal for analysts seeking stability, affordability, and a manageable pace. It’s perfect if you’re early in your career (entry/mid-level) and want to save money while gaining experience at reputable firms. If you’re chasing high-stakes investment roles or a bustling urban vibe, look to Chicago or Minneapolis—but you’ll pay a premium. For most, this is a “start and settle” market: come for the salary-to-cost ratio, stay for the community.

FAQs

1. What’s the job market like for entry-level Financial Analysts in West Des Moines?
It’s competitive but accessible. With 144 jobs in the metro, entry-level roles are available at Wells Fargo, Hy-Vee, and credit unions. Focus on internships at Principal—they often convert to full-time. Expect starting salaries around $70,000, with strong benefits.

**2. How do winters affect the