In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, professionals in Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations earn an average annual salary of $58,740. This figure is notably below the national average of $77,720, suggesting that local market dynamics, industry demand, and potentially the cost structure of the region play a significant role in compensation levels for these creative and media-focused roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,740 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $94,180.
- Outlook: The local job market for Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, appears stable, with a total workforce of 5,910 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.07 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a modest but present demand for talent within this sector in the Des Moines metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-24.4%below the national average.
$28.2
$1,130
$4,895
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche sector in Des Moines-West Des Moines is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth and evolving industry demands typically drive salary increases, even in localized markets, as employers compete for skilled professionals in the arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media fields.
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Within the Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, salary progression is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles and specialized expertise command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps between junior and senior professionals highlight clear career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on seasoned individuals in the local market.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $28,030 | $13.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $44,055 | $21.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $51,860 | $24.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $73,425 | $35.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $94,180 | $45.3 |
Detailed Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,740
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,740
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $58,740 in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal income earned by professionals in Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial footing without the premium or discount often associated with higher or lower cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
5,910
Total Jobs
14.6
Per 1K Jobs
1.07
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.07, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.07, the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, market shows a slightly higher concentration of Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations compared to the national benchmark. This suggests that while the sector is present and slightly more prevalent than the average U.S. metropolitan area, the job market is not oversaturated, indicating a potentially balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $58,740. This typically ranges from $28,030 for entry-level positions to $94,180 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 24.4% lower than the national median of $77,720.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupationss?
No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $58,740 is significantly lower than the national average of $77,720. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power of the local salary is comparable.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media 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 ($55,790) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 5,910 suggests a substantial pool of professionals in these fields within Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, indicating a mature market with ongoing opportunities for both new entrants and experienced individuals.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.07 signify?
A Location Quotient of 1.07 means that Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations are 7% more concentrated in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, than the national average, implying a slightly stronger presence and demand for these roles locally.
How does experience affect salary in this field in Des Moines?
Experience is a key driver of salary growth. Entry-level positions will offer lower pay, while senior roles requiring specialized skills and a proven track record command significantly higher compensation, reflecting career progression.
Is the cost of living a major factor for these salaries in Des Moines?
The cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $58,740 salary provides average national purchasing power, making it a neutral factor in assessing the 'lucrative' nature of the pay relative to expenses.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,910 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 14.6 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA