Software Developer in Des Moines, IA

The Salary Picture: Where Des Moines Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Des Moines offers a compelling salary-to-cost-of-living ratio for software developers. The metro area is a hub for insurance, finance, and ag-tech, which keeps demand for developers steady and competitive. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the Des Moines-West Des Moines metropolitan statistical area, the median salary for software developers is $124,473/year, translating to a solid $59.84/hour. This is marginally below the national average of $127,260/year, but the lower cost of living more than makes up for the difference. The metro supports 1,262 jobs for software developers, and the 10-year job growth projection is a healthy 17%, indicating a stable and growing market.

When you break it down by experience, the local market reflects typical progression but with a distinct Des Moines flavor—employers here highly value practical skills and cross-functional collaboration, especially in the financial and insurance sectors.

Experience Level	Typical Des Moines Salary Range	Key Local Notes
Entry-Level	$75,000 - $95,000	Often start at large insurers (Principal Financial Group) or the state government. Strong emphasis on foundational languages like Java or C#.
Mid-Level	$95,000 - $130,000	This is where most developers hit their stride. Expect roles at mid-sized tech firms and healthcare systems. Skills in cloud (AWS/Azure) and full-stack development are premium.
Senior-Level	$130,000 - $165,000	Senior devs are in high demand, especially for leadership in agile teams. Companies like Wells Fargo and Corteva Agriscience compete for this talent.
Expert/Lead	$165,000+	Architectural, management, or specialist roles (e.g., cybersecurity, data engineering) at top-tier local employers. Often includes significant bonus potential.

Compared to other Iowa cities, Des Moines leads in both salary and opportunities. For example, Cedar Rapids (home to Collins Aerospace and Quaker Oats) has a lower median salary, closer to $110,000, with fewer total jobs. Iowa City, anchored by the University of Iowa, has a strong tech scene but is smaller, with salaries comparable to Cedar Rapids. Des Moines simply has the scale and diversity of employers to support a robust career ladder.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the math. Using the median salary of $124,473, your take-home pay after taxes (federal, state, and FICA) is approximately $92,000 annually, or about $7,667/month. This is a rough estimate; your exact take-home will vary based on deductions for health insurance, retirement contributions (401k), and other benefits.

The cornerstone of Des Moines's affordability is housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is just $899/month. The overall Cost of Living Index is 92.7 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar goes about 7.3% further than the national average.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a mid-career developer earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$899	This is the citywide average. You can find places from $750 in older buildings to $1,300 in luxury downtown lofts.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electricity, gas, water, and internet. Winters can push heating costs up.
Groceries	$400	Based on a single person. Farmers' markets in the East Village offer fresh, local produce.
Transportation	$200	This assumes a car payment + insurance + gas. Public transit (DART) is limited; a car is highly recommended.
Health Insurance	$200	A typical employee contribution. Many larger employers offer excellent plans.
Retirement (401k)	$500	A 5% contribution to get a full employer match is standard. This is pre-tax.
Discretionary	$1,118	Covers dining out, entertainment, gym, and weekend trips. This is where Des Moines shines—lots of free/low-cost activities.
Total	$3,467	Leaves a substantial $4,200/month for savings, debt repayment, or a mortgage.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a $4,200/month surplus, a developer can comfortably afford a mortgage. The median home price in the Des Moines metro is around $280,000. A 20% down payment is $56,000, which is achievable with disciplined saving over 2-3 years on this salary. Monthly mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) for a $280,000 home would be roughly $1,600 - $1,800, which is well within the budget surplus.

Where the Jobs Are: Des Moines's Major Employers

The Des Moines tech scene is dominated by large, stable employers rather than flashy startups. This means good benefits, job security, and structured career paths.

1. Principal Financial Group: A global financial services leader headquartered downtown. They have a massive internal tech division (over 1,000 IT employees) focused on cloud migration, data analytics, and customer-facing applications. Hiring trends show a strong preference for developers with experience in regulated environments (financial services compliance) and modern stacks (React, Node.js, AWS).
2. Wells Fargo: Their Des Moines campus is a major hub for home mortgage technology and loan servicing systems. They are constantly hiring software engineers for legacy system modernization and new digital banking products. Insider tip: They heavily recruit from local universities and value stability and long-term project experience.
3. State of Iowa: The state government, especially the Department of Revenue and the Department of Human Services, employs a significant number of developers for critical public-facing systems. These roles offer exceptional job security and benefits, though the tech stack can be older. The hiring process is slow but steady.
4. Corteva Agriscience: Headquartered in Johnston (a Des Moines suburb), this agricultural science giant is a hotbed for data science and software development roles. They work on everything from precision agriculture tools to supply chain management software. Demand is high for developers with skills in Python, data engineering, and machine learning.
5. UnityPoint Health & MercyOne: Des Moines's two major healthcare systems are big employers of software developers for EHR (Electronic Health Record) systems, patient portals, and internal logistics. The work is meaningful and stable, but requires navigating complex healthcare data regulations (HIPAA).
6. MidAmerican Energy: A subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, this utility company has a growing tech team for smart grid technology, customer apps, and data analytics. It's a less-heralded but excellent employer for software engineers interested in energy and IoT.

Hiring Trend: There's a noticeable shift toward cloud-native development (AWS/Azure) and DevOps practices across all these employers. Companies are moving away from on-premise legacy systems, creating opportunities for developers who can bridge the old and new.

Getting Licensed in IA

Here’s the good news: Software developers are not licensed by the state of Iowa. Unlike professions such as engineering or architecture, there is no state-mandated license to practice software development. This low barrier to entry is one of the field's biggest advantages.

However, "licensing" in this context often refers to professional certifications which can significantly boost your resume and salary potential. Here are the most valued in the Des Moines market:

• Cloud Certifications: AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals are gold standards, especially at Principal and Wells Fargo. Cost: $150 - $300 per exam.
• Project Management: The PMP (Project Management Professional) is highly respected for developers moving into lead roles. Cost: ~$555 for non-members, plus prep course fees.
• Scrum Master (CSM): Almost every major employer uses Agile. A Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is often a prerequisite for lead developer roles. Cost: ~$1,000 for the course and exam.

Timeline to Get Started: You can begin applying for jobs immediately with your degree or portfolio. If you're targeting a specific certification, plan for 2-3 months of study and exam scheduling. The local tech scene is very responsive; you can often get an interview within 2-3 weeks of applying if your resume is strong.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Your neighborhood choice in Des Moines shapes your commute, lifestyle, and social life. The city is a collection of distinct communities.

1. Downtown/East Village: This is the epicenter for tech jobs. You could literally walk to work at Principal or Wells Fargo. The vibe is urban, with new apartments, coffee shops, and the Iowa Capitol as your backdrop. Rent: $1,100 - $1,800 for a modern 1BR. Commute: 0-10 minutes by foot or bike.
2. Beaverdale: A popular residential area a few miles north of downtown. It's known for its walkable commercial strip, family-friendly feel, and older, charming homes. It's a favorite for developers who work at the downtown corporate offices but want a quieter, community-oriented home base. Rent: $850 - $1,200 for a 1BR or small house. Commute: 15-20 minutes by car.
3. Windsor Heights/Clive: These western suburbs are where many professionals raise families. They offer excellent schools, easy access to grocery stores, and a quick commute to corporate parks in West Des Moines (like Wells Fargo's campus). It's less "techy" but highly practical. Rent: $900 - $1,300. Commute: 20-25 minutes to downtown.
4. Sherman Hill: A historic neighborhood just north of downtown with gorgeous Victorian homes and a strong community association. It's quieter than downtown but still walkable to restaurants and parks. Popular with older professionals and those who value historic charm. Rent: $950 - $1,400 (mostly larger units or homes). Commute: 5-10 minutes to downtown.
5. Ingersoll Avenue Corridor: A trendy corridor west of downtown known for its mix of apartments, condos, and single-family homes. It has a great selection of restaurants and bars and is a straight shot into downtown. Ideal for those who want a balance of urban and suburban. Rent: $1,000 - $1,500. Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The career path for a software developer in Des Moines is clear but requires proactive planning. You won't find the hyper-growth of a Silicon Valley startup, but you will find steady, substantial advancement.

Specialty Premiums:

• Cloud Engineering (AWS/Azure): +15-20% premium over generalist roles.
• Data Engineering/Science: +10-15% premium, especially at Corteva and Principal.
• DevOps/SRE: +10-15% premium as companies modernize their deployment pipelines.
• Cybersecurity: A rising specialty with a significant premium (+20%+), particularly at insurance and financial firms.

Advancement Path:

1. Individual Contributor (1-5 years): Focus on mastering your stack and delivering projects.
2. Senior Developer/Lead (5-8 years): You'll start mentoring juniors and making architectural decisions. This is where many developers plateau happily.
3. Architect or Engineering Manager (8+ years): At this stage, you choose a path: deep technical expertise (Architect) or people leadership (Manager). Local employers highly value internal promotion, so demonstrating leadership early is key.

10-Year Outlook: The 17% job growth projection is solid. The market will likely see increased demand for AI/ML integration, cybersecurity, and low-code/no-code platform development. The biggest risk is stagnation—developers who don't continually learn new technologies (e.g., moving from monoliths to microservices) may find their skills less in demand. The opportunity is in becoming a local expert who can bridge cutting-edge tech with the practical needs of established industries.

The Verdict: Is Des Moines Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Salary-to-Cost-of-Living Ratio: Your $124,473 salary goes much further here.	Less Vibrant Startup Scene: Fewer cutting-edge tech startups compared to coastal cities.
Stable, Major Employers: Jobs at Principal, Wells Fargo, etc., offer security and great benefits.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited; you'll need a car for most commutes and errands.
Short, Easy Commutes: 15-20 minute commutes are the norm, even from suburbs.	Limited Nightlife & Diversity: The city is small; cultural and culinary options are growing but still modest.
Family-Friendly & Safe: Low crime rates, good schools, and tons of parks and outdoors.	Slower Pace: The tech culture is more corporate and less "move fast and break things."
Strong 10-Year Growth (17%): A stable market for long-term career planning.	Winters Can Be Harsh: Be prepared for cold, snowy winters from November to March.

Final Recommendation: Des Moines is an outstanding choice for software developers who value stability, affordability, and work-life balance. It's perfect for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, or simply enjoy a lower-stress environment. It's less ideal for those seeking the frantic pace and massive equity upside of a Silicon Valley startup. If you're a pragmatic developer who wants a great career without the coastal cost of living, Des Moines is a hidden gem that absolutely delivers.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car in Des Moines?
A: Yes, for practicality. While you can live car-free in walkable neighborhoods like Downtown or the East Village, most residents use a car for grocery shopping, weekend trips, and commuting to suburban offices (like Wells Fargo's West Des Moines campus). The public transit system (DART) is improving but is not comprehensive.

Q: What's the tech community like?
A: It's active but corporate-adjacent. Meetups are run by groups like Iowa .NET User Group, Des Moines Web Designers, and PyData Iowa. Major events include the annual Iowa Technology & Education Conference (ITEC). It's easy to network, but the community is more focused on practical skills than speculative tech trends.

Q: How competitive is the job market?
A: It's competitive for senior roles but accessible for entry and mid-level. With 1,262 jobs and 17% growth, there's steady demand. Your biggest advantage is tailoring your resume to the local industries—highlight experience with financial, insurance, or healthcare systems if you have it.

Q: What's the best way to find a job?
A: While LinkedIn and Indeed are universal, local connections matter. Engage with the Iowa Technology Association and attend local tech meetups. Many jobs at large employers like Principal or the State never hit public job boards; they fill through referrals and internal talent pipelines.

Q: Is remote work common?
A: Hybrid models are now the standard. Most Des Moines-based employers (Principal, Wells Fargo, etc.) offer 2-3 days of remote work per week. Fully remote roles exist but are less common than in larger tech hubs. The local market still highly values in-person collaboration for key projects.