The Definitive Career Guide for Insurance Agents in Des Moines, Iowa

As a career analyst who’s spent years dissecting local job markets, I’ve watched Des Moines evolve from a quiet state capital into a robust Midwestern hub for insurance and financial services. If you’re an insurance agent considering a move here, you’re likely drawn by the promise of a stable market, a low cost of living, and a pace of life that’s more grounded than in coastal metros. This guide moves beyond generic advice. We’ll dig into the real numbers, the specific neighborhoods where agents live and commute, and the employers who are actively hiring. Let’s get into the details.

The Salary Picture: Where Des Moines Stands

First, the bottom line. The insurance industry here is solid but not explosive. According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market analysis, the median salary for an Insurance Agent in the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area is $78,189/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.59/hour. This is slightly below the national average for the occupation, which sits at $79,940/year. The gap isn’t large, but it’s meaningful. It reflects Des Moines’ overall affordability and a market where experienced agents are valued, but new entrants might see slower initial ramp-up.

The job market is competitive but not oversaturated. There are an estimated 420 jobs for agents and related roles in the metro area. Over the past decade, the 10-year job growth has been a modest 5%. This isn’t the tech-sector boom you’d see in Austin or Raleigh, but it represents steady, dependable demand. The real story, however, is in the experience levels. Here’s how salary breaks down locally:

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities in Des Moines
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$45,000 - $58,000	Client service support, policy renewals, basic life/auto quotes, working under a senior agent. Often salaried with small bonuses.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$65,000 - $85,000	Managing your own client book, commercial lines focus, group health plans for local businesses, active cross-selling.
Senior/Expert (8+ yrs)	$90,000 - $120,000+	Specializing in complex commercial accounts (e.g., agribusiness, healthcare), agency management, team leadership, high-net-worth individuals.

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior is where the real money is made in Des Moines. Agents who develop a niche in commercial lines for the city’s major employers (more on that later) or in agricultural insurance can significantly outperform the median. The base salary might cap around $95,000, but total compensation with commissions and bonuses can push well past $120,000.

How Des Moines Compares to Other Iowa Cities

City	Median Salary	Key Differentiator
Des Moines Metro	$78,189	Largest market, most specialty roles, highest competition.
Cedar Rapids	~$75,200	Strong industrial/manufacturing client base. Lower cost of living.
Davenport (Quad Cities)	~$73,800	More rural/commercial mix, cross-state (IL/IA) licensing can be a plus.
Iowa City	~$72,500	Driven by university and healthcare systems; smaller client base.

Des Moines consistently leads in salary potential due to its concentration of corporate headquarters and financial institutions. While the median is only a few thousand dollars higher than Cedar Rapids, the ceiling is notably higher here.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s talk about what $78,189 feels like in your bank account. Des Moines’ cost of living is a major draw. The index is 92.7 (US avg = 100), meaning everything from groceries to utilities is about 7-8% cheaper than the national average. The average rent for a 1BR apartment is $899/month.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for an agent earning the median salary. I’ll assume a single filer with standard deductions, using an effective tax rate of about 22% (federal, state, and FICA combined).

• Gross Monthly Pay: $78,189 / 12 = $6,516
• Estimated Taxes (22%): -$1,434
• Net Monthly Pay (Take-Home): ~$5,082

Now, the expenses:

• Rent (1BR average): -$899
• Utilities (electric, gas, internet): -$180
• Car Payment/Insurance (essential in DSM): -$450
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): -$300
• Groceries & Essentials: -$400
• Discretionary/Entertainment: -$500
• Savings/Retirement (10% of gross): -$652
• Total Expenses: ~$3,381

Monthly Surplus/Leftover: $1,701

This surplus is healthy. It allows for student loan payments, a robust emergency fund, or saving for a down payment.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Des Moines metro is around $235,000. With a 10% down payment ($23,500), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would carry a monthly payment (P&I) of about $1,200. Add taxes and insurance, and you’re looking at a total housing payment of ~$1,500. Given a net take-home of $5,082, this is well within the recommended 30% of income (which would be ~$1,525). The key is building the down payment, which your monthly surplus of $1,701 can help achieve in about 14 months if aggressively saved.

Where the Jobs Are: Des Moines's Major Employers

The insurance ecosystem in Des Moines is symbiotic with the city’s role as the “Silicon Prairie” for financial services. It’s home to more than 80 insurance companies and employs over 50,000 in the sector. Here are the major players where agents build careers, whether on the carrier side or with large agencies.

1. Principal Financial Group: A global giant headquartered in downtown Des Moines. They don’t typically hire traditional “agents” but employ thousands in financial services, sales, and actuarial roles. For an agent, knowing Principal’s products (401(k)s, life insurance, annuities) is crucial for competing. They are a massive source of client leads.
2. EMC Insurance Companies: A major player in commercial and specialty insurance, based in Des Moines. Known for a strong regional presence and stability. They hire field adjusters, underwriters, and partner with independent agents. Hiring trends favor those with commercial lines experience.
3. Brown & Brown Insurance: One of the largest independent insurance agencies in the U.S., with a major hub in West Des Moines. They are aggressively acquiring smaller agencies and growing their commercial lines presence. A prime target for experienced agents looking to join a large, well-resourced team.
4. Marsh & McLennan Agency (MMA): Another top-tier national agency with a significant Des Moines operation. They focus on middle-market and large commercial clients. A career here often means specialization in areas like cyber liability or employee benefits for the city’s thriving healthcare sector.
5. Nationwide: Has a large operational center in the Des Moines metro. While they employ many in claims and service, their agency force is active. Independent agents who represent Nationwide can tap into a well-known brand for personal lines.
6. Local & Regional Agencies: Don’t overlook mid-sized firms like AssuredPartners or Alera Group, which have a strong presence. They offer a more nimble culture and are often looking for agents to build books from scratch in specific niches, like farm & ranch or professional liability for the city’s legal and tech firms.

Insider Tip: The biggest trend is specialization. The market is saturated with generalists. The agents earning top dollar here are those who understand the risk profiles of Des Moines’ key industries: healthcare (MercyOne, UnityPoint), manufacturing & logistics (Iowa’s #2 industry), and financial services. Getting a designation like a CPCU or CIC will make you stand out to these employers.

Getting Licensed in IA

Iowa’s licensing process is straightforward but requires commitment. You cannot practice without a license, and the state’s Department of Insurance (DOI) is strict about compliance.

The Requirements:

1. Pre-Licensing Education: You must complete a state-approved course. For Property & Casualty (P&C), this is typically 40 hours; for Life & Health, 20 hours. Costs range from $150 to $300 per line.
2. State Exam: After your course, you schedule your exam with Pearson VUE. The fee is $85 per attempt. Pass rates are around 70-75%, so study seriously.
3. Fingerprints & Background Check: Required for the license. Cost is about $45 through the state’s vendor.
4. License Application: Submit your application online to the Iowa DOI. The fee is $120 for a resident producer license (covers both P&C and L&H).
5. Appointment: Once licensed, you must be “appointed” by an insurance company or agency to sell their products. This is typically done by your employer.

Total Estimated Cost: $500 - $650 (Pre-licensing course, exam fees, fingerprints, application).
Timeline: From starting your course to holding your license in hand, expect 6-8 weeks. The exam is the biggest variable—schedule it as soon as you’re ready after your course.

Insider Tip: Iowa has a "reciprocity" agreement with many states. If you already hold a license in another state, the process is faster and cheaper. Check the DOI website for specifics. Also, the exam is heavy on state laws and regulations; don’t just memorize national concepts.

Best Neighborhoods for Insurance Agents

Where you live in Des Moines impacts your commute, social life, and budget. The downtown core is where many corporate offices are, but agencies are spread across the metro.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Agents
Downtown/East Village	Urban, walkable, close to Principal & big agencies.	$1,100+	Zero commute for downtown jobs. Great for networking after hours. Younger vibe.
West Des Moines/Waukee	Suburban, family-friendly, top schools.	$950 - $1,100	Home to many large agencies (Brown & Brown, MMA). Easy access to I-235/I-80.
Ankeny	Growing suburb, north of DSM.	$875 - $950	More affordable, great for families. 15-20 min commute to downtown. Strong community.
Clive/Windsor Heights	Upscale, quiet, near shopping.	$900 - $1,050	Central location, easy access to all parts of the metro. Professional atmosphere.
Sherman Hill/Historic East	Historic, charming, near Drake University.	$850 - $975	Affordable, unique character. Short commute to downtown. Good for agents building a local book.

Insider Tip: If you’re an independent agent building a local client base, living in a neighborhood like Ankeny or Clive can be advantageous. You’re in the heart of residential areas where homeowners and small business owners live, making community networking easier.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for insurance agents in Des Moines is stable but requires evolution. The 5% job growth indicates steady demand, but technology and automation will change the role. The agent of the future is a risk advisor, not just a policy seller.

Specialty Premiums:

• Cyber Liability: With Des Moines’ tech scene, this is a fast-growing need for small businesses.
• Employee Benefits: As companies compete for talent (especially in healthcare and finance), complex benefits packages are a premium service.
• Agribusiness: Iowa is an agricultural powerhouse. Specializing in farm & ranch insurance can be extremely lucrative and less competitive than urban lines.

Advancement Paths:

1. Line of Authority: Move from P&C to L&H, then to specialty lines (commercial, crop, etc.).
2. Management: Move from a producing agent to an agency manager or owner. Many successful agents in DSM eventually buy or start their own agencies.
3. Carrier Side: Move from sales to underwriting, claims, or marketing at a company like EMC or Nationwide.

10-Year Outlook: The core need for insurance won’t vanish. However, agents who fail to adapt to digital tools (online quoting, CRM systems) and who don’t develop consultative skills will see their market share shrink. The agents who thrive will be those who use technology to handle routine tasks, freeing them up for high-value advisory work with Des Moines’ growing business community.

The Verdict: Is Des Moines Right for You?

Deciding to move is a big calculation. Here’s a balanced look at what Des Moines offers an insurance agent.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary ($78,189) goes much further than in major metros. Homeownership is within reach.	Slower Career Growth: The 5% growth is steady but not explosive. Advancement can be slower than in larger markets.
Stable, Established Market: A deep pool of employers (Principal, EMC, etc.) and a strong client base. Less volatility.	Regional Market: To reach a high income, you often need to specialize in local industries (ag, healthcare). Less national/international exposure.
Quality of Life: Safe, clean, easy commutes (15-20 mins), great parks, and a genuine community feel.	Weather: Winters are long, cold, and can be harsh. A significant lifestyle adjustment for those from warmer climates.
Network Density: The insurance community is tight-knit. It’s easier to build a professional network here than in a sprawling city like Chicago.	Limited Nightlife/Culture: While improving, the cultural and dining scene is smaller than in a coastal city.

Final Recommendation: Des Moines is an excellent choice for agents who value stability, affordability, and work-life balance. It’s particularly well-suited for mid-career agents looking to buy a home, start a family, or build a sustainable book of business without the intense pressure of a hyper-competitive coastal market. It’s less ideal for a new agent seeking fast, explosive growth or one who is solely focused on high-net-worth personal lines in a major financial center. If you’re willing to specialize and embrace the local business culture, Des Moines offers a rewarding and financially sound career path.

FAQs

Q: Is the market too saturated for new agents in Des Moines?
A: It’s competitive, but not saturated. The key is differentiation. New agents who focus on a underserved niche (e.g., cyber for small tech firms, or motorcycle/ATV policies for rural clients) can find success. Generalist personal lines agents face the toughest competition.

Q: Do I need a college degree to be a successful agent here?
A: No, a degree is not required by the state. However, many top agencies and carriers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s, often in business, finance, or marketing. The designations (CPCU, CLU) you earn post-license are often more important than your degree.

Q: How does the cost of living affect my ability to save for retirement?
A: Positively. With a median salary of $78,189 and a cost of living index of 92.7, you can save a higher percentage of your income than you could in a more expensive city. An agent living in Des Moines can realistically save 15-20% of their gross income for retirement while still maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job with a major agency like Brown & Brown or MMA?
A: Network relentlessly. Attend events hosted by the Iowa Insurance Institute or the local chapter of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA). Many positions are filled through referrals. Also, check LinkedIn and the career pages of these agencies directly. Be prepared to discuss your niche or book of business if you’re an experienced hire.

Q: How important is owning a car in Des Moines?
A: It is essential. While downtown is walkable and a bus system exists, the metro is spread out. Clients, offices, and networking events are not reliably connected by public transit. A reliable vehicle is a non-negotiable part of the job.