Average Computer Programmers Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Computer Programmers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, earn an average annual salary of $93,640. This figure is notably below the national average of $105,010, suggesting that local market dynamics, industry demand, and the specific economic landscape of the region play a significant role in compensation levels for this tech-focused role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $93,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $128,190.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 430 Computer Programmers and a Location Quotient of 1.48, Des Moines-West Des Moines demonstrates a concentration of these professionals that exceeds the national average. This indicates a robust and potentially growing demand for programming talent within the region, suggesting a healthy job market for skilled individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Computer Programmers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-10.8%below the national average.
$45
$1,801
$7,803
Computer Programmers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Computer Programmers in Des Moines-West Des Moines have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing technological adoption, evolving industry needs, and a competitive talent market likely contribute to upward salary adjustments.
Computer Programmers Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Salary progression for Computer Programmers typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while senior and lead programmer roles, requiring extensive expertise and responsibility, will see substantially higher compensation. The percentile gaps between these levels signify clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on seasoned professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $59,240 | $28.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $70,230 | $33.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $93,060 | $44.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $117,050 | $56.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $128,190 | $61.6 |
Detailed Computer Programmers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$93,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$93,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $93,640 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Computer Programmer's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living cities.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
1.051
Per 1K Jobs
1.48
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.48, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Computer Programmers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.48 signifies that Computer Programmers are more concentrated in Des Moines-West Des Moines than the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market where employers may actively seek out local talent, while also indicating a strong community of peers and potential collaborators.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Computer Programmers Salary | $84,780↓ 9% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Computer Programmers Salary | $82,250↓ 12% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Computer Programmers Salary | $76,650↓ 18% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Computer Programmers Salary | $84,140↓ 10% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Hiring Computer Programmerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Programmers make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Computer Programmers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $93,640. This typically ranges from $59,240 for entry-level positions to $128,190 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 10.8% lower than the national median of $105,010.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Computer Programmers?
Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary of $93,640 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, maintaining equivalent purchasing power. The strong concentration of programmers (LQ 1.48) indicates good local demand.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Computer Programmers?
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 ($84,780) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Computer Programmers in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $93,640, which is lower than the national average of $105,010.
What is the Cost of Living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Computer Programmers in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
Computer Programmers are more concentrated in Des Moines-West Des Moines than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.48.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.48 mean for Computer Programmers?
A Location Quotient of 1.48 indicates a higher-than-average presence of Computer Programmers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area, suggesting a specialized job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 1.051 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer Programmers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA