Average Human Resources Specialists Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Human Resources Specialists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an average annual salary of $76,230. This figure is slightly below the national average of $79,090, a common occurrence in metropolitan areas that balance competitive wages with a more accessible cost of living. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the region contribute to this compensation structure.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $76,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $119,230.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area supports a robust workforce of 2,520 Human Resources Specialists. With a Location Quotient of 1.04, the concentration of these roles is slightly above the national average, indicating a stable and potentially growing demand for HR professionals in this market. The presence of a significant local workforce suggests a healthy job market with ample opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Human Resources Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-3.6%below the national average.
$36.7
$1,466
$6,353
Human Resources Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Human Resources Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, evolving HR practices, and increased demand for specialized HR functions likely contribute to upward salary adjustments, ensuring compensation remains competitive within the regional market.
Human Resources Specialists Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Career progression for Human Resources Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior HR roles and management positions command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries clearly signifies substantial career growth opportunities and the increasing value placed on experienced HR professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $46,100 | $22.2 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $57,173 | $27.5 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $69,120 | $33.2 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $95,288 | $45.8 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $119,230 | $57.3 |
Detailed Human Resources Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$76,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$76,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
For individuals considering a move to Des Moines-West Des Moines, the average annual salary of $76,230 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an HR Specialist'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
2,520
Total Jobs
6.214
Per 1K Jobs
1.04
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.04, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Human Resources Specialists roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.04 for Human Resources Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines suggests a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy demand for HR professionals, with the area employing a proportionally larger number of these specialists compared to the rest of the country. While not exceptionally high, this quotient points to a competitive yet accessible market for those in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Human Resources Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Human Resources Specialists Salary | $75,290↓ 1% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Human Resources Specialists Salary | $70,890↓ 7% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Human Resources Specialists Salary | $65,900↓ 14% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Human Resources Specialists Salary | $68,080↓ 11% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Human Resources Specialists Salary | $67,010↓ 12% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Human Resources Specialists make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Human Resources Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $76,230. This typically ranges from $46,100 for entry-level positions to $119,230 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 3.6% lower than the national median of $79,090.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Human Resources Specialists?
Yes, with a caveat.The average salary of $76,230 is competitive, especially when considering the national average cost of living. While slightly below the national salary average, the stable job market and cost of living make it a financially sound location.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Human Resources Specialists?
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 ($75,290) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines HR Specialist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Human Resources Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $76,230, which is slightly lower than the national average of $79,090.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines for HR Specialists?
The cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100, making the $76,230 salary equivalent in purchasing power to the national average.
How concentrated is the HR Specialist job market in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The job market is slightly more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.04, indicating a healthy presence and demand for HR professionals.
What is the total number of HR Specialists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area?
There are approximately 2,520 Human Resources Specialists employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines 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 2,520 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 6.214 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Human Resources Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA