Web Developer in Des Moines, IA

As a career analyst who’s watched Des Moines’ tech scene evolve from a handful of legacy companies to a burgeoning ecosystem, I’ve put together this guide for web developers considering a move here. This isn't a sales pitch; it's a data-driven look at the realities of building a career in the capital of Iowa.

The Salary Picture: Where Des Moines Stands

Let’s start with the numbers. Des Moines offers a competitive salary for web developers, especially when you factor in the low cost of living. The median salary for a web developer in the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area is $90,718/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.61/hour. This sits slightly below the national median of $92,750/year, but that gap closes—and often reverses—once you account for Des Moines' affordability.

The job market is stable and growing. There are approximately 420 jobs for web developers in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth of 16%, which is solid and indicates a healthy, expanding demand for tech talent.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level in Des Moines. Note that these are estimated ranges based on local market data and the provided median.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate (Approx.)	Key Responsibilities in Des Moines
Entry-Level	$55,000 - $70,000	$26 - $34	Front-end support, maintenance on existing codebases, learning company-specific stacks.
Mid-Level	$75,000 - $95,000	$36 - $46	Full feature development, moderate backend integration, mentoring juniors.
Senior	$95,000 - $120,000	$46 - $58	System architecture, leading projects, tech stack decisions, significant backend work.
Expert/Lead	$120,000+	$58+	Principal engineer roles, director-level positions, specialized consultancies.

When compared to other Iowa cities, Des Moines is the clear leader in both salary and sheer number of opportunities. While cities like Iowa City (home to the University of Iowa) have a growing tech scene, they don't match the scale of Des Moines. Cedar Rapids is strong in legacy manufacturing tech, but Des Moines is the hub for finance, insurance, and modern SaaS companies.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The true test of any salary is what’s left after the essentials. Let’s build a monthly budget for a web developer earning the median salary of $90,718.

First, estimate taxes. For a single filer with no dependents, federal income tax, FICA, and Iowa state tax (which has a progressive structure) will take approximately 25-28% of gross pay. Let’s use a conservative 28% for this calculation.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $90,718 / 12 = $7,560
• Estimated Monthly Taxes (28%): ~$2,117
• Net Monthly Pay (Take-Home): ~$5,443

Now, add in the average cost of living for Des Moines, focusing on the key expense: rent.

• Average 1BR Rent: $899/month
• Utilities (Est.): $150/month
• Groceries: $300/month
• Transportation (Car + Gas/Insurance): $400/month (Des Moines is a car-dependent city)
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan Est.): $300/month (pre-tax)
• Remaining for Savings/Discretionary: ~$3,394/month

Insider Tip: The above budget is very comfortable. A key advantage in Des Moines is that you can find quality 1-bedroom apartments in safe, walkable neighborhoods for under $950/month. If you choose a roommate situation, your rent could drop to $500-$600, dramatically increasing your savings rate.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. The median home price in the Des Moines metro is around $265,000. With the savings rate from the above budget, a developer could easily save for a 20% down payment ($53,000) in under two years. The local mortgage market is stable, and with a solid salary like $90,718, qualifying for a loan is straightforward. This is a stark contrast to coastal tech hubs where homeownership is a distant dream for most developers.

Where the Jobs Are: Des Moines's Major Employers

Des Moines’ economy is famously stable, anchored by finance and insurance. This provides a unique mix of traditional corporate roles and modern tech opportunities.

1. Principal Financial Group: A global financial services giant headquartered in downtown Des Moines. They have a massive internal IT department and are actively modernizing their customer-facing web platforms. They hire for both front-end and full-stack roles, often with a focus on security and scalability.
2. EMC Insurance Companies: Another major insurance player based in Des Moines. Their tech division is expanding, particularly in data visualization and customer portals. They look for developers experienced with Java and modern JavaScript frameworks.
3. Workiva: A publicly traded, cloud-based software company that is a true local success story. They specialize in connected reporting and compliance software. Workiva is one of the most aggressive hirers in the Des Moines tech scene, known for its vibrant campus culture and cutting-edge tech stack (primarily using a unique model-driven architecture).
4. The Iowa State Government: The state of Iowa is a major employer, with numerous agencies needing web developers for public-facing services (think DMV, tax portals, public health). These roles often offer excellent benefits and job security, though salaries may be slightly lower than the private sector.
5. Bankers Trust: A locally headquartered commercial bank that invests heavily in its digital presence. They hire for web developers to manage their online banking platforms and internal employee portals.
6. Local Marketing & Ad Agencies: Firms like Weber Shandwick (a global firm with a large Des Moines office) and POP (a local creative agency) consistently need front-end developers for client campaigns. These roles are great for those who want a fast-paced, project-based environment.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable shift toward companies seeking developers who are not just coders but can understand business logic—especially in finance and insurance. Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies is a near-universal requirement.

Getting Licensed in IA

One of the best things about being a web developer in Iowa is the lack of red tape. Unlike fields like law or medicine, there are no state-specific licenses required to practice as a web developer.

• State Requirements: The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) does not offer or require a "Web Developer" license. Your qualifications are your portfolio, your resume, and your ability to pass a technical interview.
• Costs: The cost of entry is your own education, whether through a university degree, a coding bootcamp, or self-teaching. A reputable coding bootcamp in the region (like the University of Iowa's or Des Moines Area Community College's programs) can cost between $8,000 - $15,000.
• Timeline to Get Started: If you're starting from scratch, a 6-month intensive bootcamp or a 2-year associate's degree is a common path. For those transitioning from another field or with a computer science degree, you can be job-ready in as little as 1-3 months of focused portfolio building and networking.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Your choice of neighborhood in Des Moines will define your commute, lifestyle, and social life. The city is laid out in a grid, with the Des Moines River as a central spine.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Great for a Web Developer
Downtown / Court District	Urban, walkable, near major employers (Principal, Wells Fargo). Commute: Walk or bike to work.	$1,100 - $1,400	You're in the heart of the action. Perfect for networking, after-work drinks, and avoiding a commute. Ideal for those working at downtown corporate offices.
East Village	Trendy, historic, with a mix of startups and boutiques. Commute: 5-10 min drive to downtown.	$1,000 - $1,300	A slightly more relaxed vibe than downtown but still very central. Great for developers who want a unique neighborhood feel with easy access to everything.
Windsor Heights	Quiet, residential, family-friendly. Commute: 10-15 min drive to downtown.	$850 - $1,000	A top choice for developers who work remotely or at companies in the western suburbs (like West Des Moines). Offers more space and a peaceful environment.
Sherman Hill	Historic, charming, with beautiful older homes. Commute: 5-10 min drive to downtown.	$800 - $1,100	One of the most desirable neighborhoods. It’s close to downtown but feels like a quiet, leafy retreat. Perfect for those who want character and a short commute.
Beaverdale	Suburban, classic Des Moines feel, great parks. Commute: 15-20 min drive to downtown.	$750 - $900	If you want a classic suburban life with excellent schools and a short drive to amenities, Beaverdale is a top contender. It’s affordable and family-oriented.

Insider Tip: The Gray's Lake area is an emerging hotspot. It’s just south of downtown and offers new apartment complexes with lake views and direct access to the water trail, all while being a 5-minute drive from the central business district.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Des Moines, career growth for web developers follows two primary paths: deepening technical expertise or moving into management/leadership.

• Specialty Premiums: Developers with full-stack capabilities (JavaScript/Node.js on the front end, and a robust backend language like .NET, Java, or Python) command the highest salaries. Specializing in cloud technologies (AWS, Azure) can add a 10-15% premium to your salary, as most major employers are undergoing digital transformation. Cybersecurity knowledge, especially in the financial sector, is also highly valued and can lead to significant salary bumps.
• Advancement Paths: The typical progression is Junior → Mid-Level → Senior → Tech Lead or Architect. From there, you can move into Engineering Management (overseeing a team) or a Principal/Staff Engineer role (tackling the most complex technical challenges). Companies like Workiva and Principal have well-defined career ladders.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 16% job growth indicates a strong future. While remote work has diluted the necessity of being in a specific city, Des Moines' low cost of living and high quality of life make it a magnet for companies looking to establish hubs. Expect to see continued growth in fintech, healthtech, and SaaS companies. The risk of being pigeonholed in legacy systems (common in insurance) is real, so proactive learning is essential.

The Verdict: Is Des Moines Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $90,718 salary goes much further than on the coasts. Homeownership is achievable.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited. You will need a car to get around efficiently.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by recession-resistant industries (finance, insurance, government).	Smaller Tech Community: While growing, the scene is not as dense or specialized as in Austin or Denver.
Manageable Pace & Traffic: A 15-minute commute is normal. Work-life balance is prioritized.	Limited Public Transit: The bus system works but is not comprehensive.
High Quality of Life: Clean, safe, with excellent parks, trails, and a surprising food & arts scene.	Midwest Winters: Be prepared for cold, snowy winters from November to March.
Strong for Families: Great public schools, safe suburbs, and community-oriented living.	Less "Tech" Vibe: Fewer meetups, conferences, and startups compared to major coastal hubs.

Final Recommendation: Des Moines is an ideal choice for web developers who prioritize financial stability, work-life balance, and quality of life over the frenetic pace of a major coastal tech hub. It's perfect for those looking to build a long-term career, buy a home, and raise a family without sacrificing professional opportunities. If you're an early-career developer seeking mentorship and a vast network, it's a great place to cut your teeth. If you're a senior developer tired of the grind and cost of a big city, Des Moines offers a compelling, practical alternative.

FAQs

Q: Is it necessary to know specific tech stacks popular in finance (like .NET) to get a job in Des Moines?
A: While .NET is prevalent at companies like Principal and EMC, it's not a strict requirement. JavaScript (React, Angular, Vue) and Node.js are universally in demand. Python is also very strong due to its use in data-heavy roles. The key is demonstrating your ability to learn and adapt; a strong portfolio in any modern stack will get you noticed.

Q: How is the social and networking scene for tech professionals?
A: It's active but more intimate than in larger cities. Organizations like 1 Million Cups (weekly startup pitches), Iowa Technology Association events, and meetups for specific languages (e.g., Des Moines React.js) are valuable. The community is collaborative and supportive; you're more likely to get to know people on a first-name basis.

Q: What's the winter weather really like, and how does it affect work?
A: Winters are cold, with average highs in the 30s and lows in the teens. Snowfall is common, but the city is well-equipped to clear roads. Major employers have robust remote-work policies for snow days. The key is having a reliable car with good tires and a remote-friendly employer for the worst days.

Q: Can I work remotely for a company outside of Des Moines while living there?
A: Absolutely. This is increasingly common. The low cost of living makes Des Moines a fantastic base for remote workers earning a national salary. Just be mindful of time zones if you're working with West Coast companies.

Q: What's the best way to find a web developer job in Des Moines?
A: Beyond LinkedIn and Indeed, check the career pages of the major employers listed above (Principal, Workiva, etc.). Local staffing agencies like Robert Half Technology and TEKsystems have strong relationships with Des Moines companies. Finally, don't underestimate the power of a direct, polite inquiry to a tech lead at a company you admire. The local market is still small enough that a personalized approach can stand out.