Average Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, professionals in Architecture and Engineering Occupations earn an average annual salary of $95,260. This figure is approximately 8% below the national average of $103,510. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Des Moines metropolitan area contribute to this differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $95,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $138,940.
- Outlook: The Architecture and Engineering sector in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, supports a local workforce of 5,320 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.79, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market. The presence of over 13 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these specialized skills within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-8.0%below the national average.
$45.8
$1,832
$7,938
Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact period isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased project development, and a growing need for infrastructure improvements likely contribute to upward salary adjustments.
Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Salary progression within Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized expertise and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps are a clear indicator of career advancement and the increasing value placed on experience and skill.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $54,280 | $26.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $71,445 | $34.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $85,130 | $40.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $119,075 | $57.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $138,940 | $66.8 |
Detailed Architecture and Engineering Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$95,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$95,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $95,260 in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is directly offset by a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Architecture and Engineering professional's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
5,320
Total Jobs
13.131
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.79x the national average concentration of Architecture and Engineering Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.79 for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, indicates that these roles are slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the market is not as densely populated with these professionals as some other regions, there is still a healthy presence and ongoing demand for their services.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Architecture and Engineering Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $91,070↓ 4% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $90,720↓ 5% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $82,640↓ 13% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $83,320↓ 13% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $79,640↓ 16% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architecture and Engineering Occupations make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $95,260. This typically ranges from $54,280 for entry-level positions to $138,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 8.0% lower than the national median of $103,510.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?
No, but it offers stable purchasing power.While the average salary of $95,260 is below the national average, the cost of living being exactly at the national average means your salary retains its purchasing power.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Architecture and Engineering Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($91,070) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $95,260, which is lower than the national average of $103,510.
What is the concentration of Architecture and Engineering jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.79, indicating slightly fewer jobs per capita compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is exactly at the national average. Therefore, the $95,260 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the total number of Architecture and Engineering professionals in the area?
There are approximately 5,320 individuals employed in Architecture and Engineering Occupations within the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,320 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 13.131 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Architecture and Engineering Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA