Project Manager in Des Moines, IA

The Salary Picture: Where Des Moines Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Des Moines is a solid, reliable market for Project Managers. The city's economy is built on insurance, financial services, and government, all sectors that require disciplined project execution. The salary data reflects this stability, if not explosive growth.

Let's get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a Project Manager in Des Moines is $99,061/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.63/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $101,280/year. Don't let that sliver of a difference fool you. When you factor in Des Moines's remarkably low cost of living, your purchasing power here is significantly higher than in most national metros. The metro area supports approximately 420 active jobs for Project Managers, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%. This isn't a boomtown; it's a steady, reliable market perfect for building a long-term career.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Des Moines market. These are common ranges I've seen in local job postings and industry reports.

Experience Level	Typical Des Moines Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	Junior PM, Assistant PM, coordinating small project components, learning agile/SCRUM methodologies.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$85,000 - $110,000	Managing full project lifecycles, cross-functional team leadership, budgeting up to $250k, risk mitigation.
Senior (8-15 years)	$110,000 - $135,000	Large-scale projects ($500k+), strategic oversight, mentoring junior PMs, managing program portfolios.
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$135,000 - $160,000+	Director-level roles, PMO leadership, enterprise-wide transformation projects, executive stakeholder management.

How does Des Moines compare to other Iowa cities? It's the undisputed leader. The Des Moines-West Des Moines Metro is the state's economic engine. Compare that to Cedar Rapids (home to Rockwell Collins/RTX and Collins Aerospace), where salaries for PMs are strong but slightly lower on average, or to the University of Iowa hub of Iowa City, where academic and healthcare PM roles dominate but the private sector is smaller. In Sioux City or Davenport, the job market is more fragmented and salary bands are generally lower. If you want the highest ceiling and the most diverse opportunities (from insurance giants to tech startups), Des Moines is the place to be in Iowa.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be real about the bottom line. A $99,061 salary sounds great, but what does it mean in your bank account? Here’s a practical monthly budget breakdown for a single Project Manager in Des Moines.

Assumptions for this breakdown: Filing as single, no dependents, standard deduction, using estimated Iowa state tax (around 4-5% for this bracket) and federal tax. This is a conservative estimate; your take-home will likely be higher.

• Gross Monthly Salary: $99,061 / 12 = $8,255
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$2,000 - $2,200/month
• Estimated Net Monthly Take-Home: $6,055 - $6,255

Sample Monthly Budget (Based on $6,100 take-home):

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Avg)	$899	The city average. You can find nice 1BRs in core neighborhoods for $950-$1,100.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$150 - $200	Depends on the season. Winter heating costs can be higher.
Car Payment & Insurance	$400 - $600	Des Moines is a car-centric city. A reliable vehicle is a necessity for most.
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500	Shopping at local chains like Hy-Vee or Fareway is standard.
Dining & Entertainment	$300 - $500	Great local food scene, from East Village eats to Ingersoll Ave. pubs.
Healthcare (Premiums)	$200 - $300	If not fully covered by employer.
Savings & Retirement	$1,000+	This is the key to building wealth here. With low living costs, you can save aggressively.
Miscellaneous	$200	Car maintenance, personal care, etc.
Total	$3,549 - $4,299	Leaves a significant buffer for savings or discretionary spending.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is a huge advantage of Des Moines. The median home price in the metro is around $220,000 - $250,000. With a $99,061 salary and a solid down payment (as little as 3-5% for first-time buyers), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) is very manageable, often comparable to or less than the rent for a nice 1BR apartment in a desirable area. Many Project Managers in their early-to-mid career own homes here. It's a cornerstone of the local middle-class lifestyle.

Where the Jobs Are: Des Moines's Major Employers

The "Where the Jobs Are" question in Des Moines has a clear answer: insurance, financial services, and public sector. The suburbs of West Des Moines, Urbandale, and Waukee are where many corporate campuses are located. Here are the key players:

1. Principal Financial Group (Downtown & West Des Moines): A global financial services leader with a massive local footprint. They have continuous needs for PMs in IT, product development, and business transformation. Their project management offices (PMOs) are well-established. Insider Tip: They heavily utilize agile methodologies. Get your Agile or Scrum Master certification if you're targeting Principal.

2. EMC Insurance Companies (Downtown): A major property and casualty insurer. They hire PMs for system implementations (like upgrading claims software), regulatory compliance projects, and infrastructure updates. Stability is their hallmark; turnover is lower here than in tech.

3. Wells Fargo (West Des Moines Campus): Their massive campus hosts thousands of employees. PMs are needed for mortgage servicing projects, internal tool development, and large-scale data migration efforts. The campus has a corporate, structured environment.

4. State of Iowa (Various Locations): From the Capitol Complex to the Iowa Department of Transportation, the state government is a huge employer. Project Managers oversee everything from IT modernization (like the MITS program) to construction projects for roads and public buildings. Public sector PM roles often prioritize PMP certification and have different procurement rules.

5. UnityPoint Health & Methodist Health System: The two major healthcare providers in the metro. They hire PMs for EMR (Electronic Medical Record) implementations (like Epic or Cerner), facility expansions, and process improvement initiatives. The work is rewarding but can be high-pressure due to the healthcare environment.

6. John Deere (Ankeny & Urbandale): While headquartered in Moline, IL, John Deere has significant operations in the Des Moines metro, particularly in Ankeny. They need PMs for manufacturing technology, supply chain logistics, and new product introduction (NPI) projects. This is a great path for PMs with an engineering or manufacturing background.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable. There's a steady demand for PMs who are tech-savvy (familiar with Jira, Azure DevOps, or similar tools) and have experience with hybrid (agile/waterfall) environments. The shift to remote/hybrid work post-pandemic has opened up some opportunities, but most major employers still prefer local candidates for key roles, especially those requiring in-person collaboration.

Getting Licensed in IA

Project Management as a profession is largely credential-based, not state-licensed. Iowa does not have a specific state license to practice as a Project Manager. However, professional certifications are the de facto license for employability.

• PMP (Project Management Professional): Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), this is the gold standard. It's not an Iowa state requirement, but it's listed as a "preferred" or "required" qualification on nearly 80% of senior PM job postings in Des Moines. To get it, you need 36 months of leading projects with a 4-year degree, or 60 months without. You must complete 35 hours of project management education (cost: ~$1,000-$1,500 for a quality course). The exam fee is around $555 for non-PMI members. The process from starting education to passing the exam typically takes 4-6 months of dedicated study.

• Agile Certifications (CSM, PMI-ACP): Given the presence of tech-forward companies like Principal and Wells Fargo, these are highly valuable. A Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) from Scrum Alliance is a common entry point. It requires a 2-day course and exam, costing about $1,000-$1,500. The timeline is quick—you can be certified within a month.

• State-Specific Resources: The Iowa Chapter of PMI (PMI Iowa) is your best local resource for networking, study groups, and job listings. They host regular events in the Des Moines area. For government projects, familiarity with Iowa's procurement rules (found on the Iowa Department of Administrative Services website) is a plus.

Timeline to Get Started: If you're starting from scratch, plan for a 6-month runway to get your PMP. Begin by joining PMI Iowa (membership is ~$129/year), take a prep course, and start logging your project hours. In the Des Moines market, having your PMP in hand will immediately differentiate you and can add a $10,000-$15,000 premium to your salary offer.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Choosing where to live in Des Moines depends heavily on your commute and lifestyle. The metro is divided by the Des Moines River, with the suburbs to the west being more family-oriented and the east side and downtown having more urban energy.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Downtown / East Village	Urban, walkable, young professional. Walk to work if you work for the State, EMC, or a downtown firm. Easy access to Court Ave, Principal Park.	$1,000 - $1,300	PMs who want an active social scene and a short commute.
Ingersoll & Grand Ave (West Des Moines)	Established, tree-lined, mid-century homes. Central commute to most corporate campuses (Principal, Wells Fargo). Great local restaurants.	$950 - $1,150	Those seeking a classic, established Des Moines neighborhood with a 10-15 minute commute.
Waukee / Clive	Suburban, family-focused, newer construction. Home to top-rated schools. Commutes to West Des Moines corporate parks are easy via R22.	$900 - $1,100	PMs with families or who prioritize space and schools.
Valley Junction (West Des Moines)	Historic, charming, small-town feel with a vibrant main street. Close to Raccoon River Park. A 15-20 minute commute to downtown.	$850 - $1,050	Those who want character and community feel over a dense urban core.
Ankeny (North of Des Moines)	Fast-growing, master-planned communities, excellent schools. Home to John Deere and other north-side employers. A 20-25 minute commute to downtown.	$800 - $1,000	PMs working in the north corridor who want new amenities and a strong community.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Des Moines is generally mild, but the I-235 corridor into downtown during rush hour can be congested. Living on the same side of the river as your job is a major win. The new Des Moines International Airport expansion is also boosting property values in nearby neighborhoods like Park Ave.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The long-term career trajectory for a Project Manager in Des Moines is solid, though it may not involve the rapid equity gains of a tech startup hub. Growth is more about moving up the corporate ladder or specializing.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest premiums are in IT/Software Implementation (especially with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle) and Healthcare IT (Epic/Cerner). A PMP with a specialty in Agile/Scrum will command a top-tier salary. In regulated industries like insurance and finance, Compliance Project Management is a stable, high-demand niche.

• Advancement Paths: The classic path is from Project Manager to Senior PM, then to Program Manager or PMO Director. Many PMs in Des Moines transition into Product Management (especially at Principal or tech-forward firms) or Business Analysis. The low cost of living allows for career pivots—some PMs use their financial stability to launch small consultancies or side businesses.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is promising. As Des Moines continues to attract remote workers and new businesses (like the recent growth in biotech and fintech), the demand for experienced PMs will remain steady. The key to long-term growth here is continuous learning. The market rewards PMs who stay current with tools (like AI project management tools) and methodologies. Your career won't explode overnight, but it will grow steadily, allowing you to build a comfortable, secure life.

The Verdict: Is Des Moines Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further than in coastal cities. Homeownership is very attainable.	Slower Pace: Not a "move fast and break things" environment. Career growth can feel methodical.
Stable Job Market: Strong in insurance, finance, and government. Less volatility than pure tech hubs.	Limited "Cool Factor": While the food and arts scene is good for its size, it's not a major cultural destination.
Manageable Commutes: Traffic is minimal compared to most metros. You can live where you want.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is improving but not comprehensive. You will need a car.
Quality of Life: Safe, clean, family-friendly. Great schools in the suburbs. Abundant parks and trails.	Weather: Winters are cold and can be long. Summers are humid.
Strong Professional Network: The PMI Iowa chapter is active and supportive.	Limited Industry Diversity: Heavily skewed toward insurance/finance. Fewer pure tech roles.

Final Recommendation: Des Moines is an outstanding choice for Project Managers who prioritize financial stability, quality of life, and a manageable pace over high-risk, high-reward startup culture. It's ideal for someone with 3-10 years of experience looking to buy a home, start a family, or simply build substantial savings without the stress of a cutthroat job market. If you're a young, single PM seeking a vibrant nightlife and non-stop career acceleration, you might find it too quiet. For everyone else, it's a hidden gem that offers a rare combination of professional opportunity and personal comfort.

FAQs

Q: I don't have my PMP. Can I still get a good Project Manager job in Des Moines?
A: Yes, but it may be for an entry-level or "Project Coordinator" role. Many local employers, especially in the public sector and larger corporations, will hire you without a PMP if you have relevant experience. However, to reach the median salary of $99,061, you will likely need to get certified within the first 1-2 years on the job. It's a wise investment.

Q: Is the tech scene growing enough to support PMs?
A: It's growing, but slowly. The tech scene is centered around fintech (fueled by Wells Fargo, Principal, and a growing number of startups) and healthtech (UnityPoint's innovation center). It's not Austin or Denver, but there are genuine tech PM opportunities. Look for roles at companies like Workiva (based in Ames, but hires in DSM) or the tech departments of the major insurers.

Q: What's the best way to network in the Des Moines PM community?
A: Join the PMI Iowa Chapter. Attend their monthly luncheons (usually at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club or similar venues). Also, check out events hosted by 1 Million Cups (a weekly startup pitch event) or the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI). LinkedIn is also very active locally.

Q: How does the 6% job growth compare to the national average?
A: For the broader "Management Occupations" category, the national growth is about 5-7% over the next decade. So, Des Moines's 6% growth for Project Managers is right on par with the national average. This indicates a healthy, sustainable market, not one that's booming or busting.

Q: Can I work remotely for a company outside Iowa?
A: Yes, and many Des Moines-based PMs do this. The city's low cost of living makes it attractive for remote workers earning coastal salaries. However, be aware that companies hiring for fully remote roles may adjust pay based on location, though many are moving to a national pay scale. It's a viable way to potentially exceed the local median salary.