Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $73,890. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry concentration and regional economic factors, play a significant role in compensation levels within this sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $73,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $120,210.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area supports a local workforce of 3,640 individuals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.96, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, presence of these scientific professions within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-19.5%below the national average.
$35.5
$1,421
$6,158
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this localized segment isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments seen across many professional fields.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Career progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations typically sees a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. The percentile gaps in earnings, from the lower 25th percentile to the higher 75th percentile, reflect the value placed on specialized skills, experience, and leadership responsibilities, offering a clear path for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $37,700 | $18.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $55,418 | $26.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $66,000 | $31.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $92,363 | $44.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $120,210 | $57.8 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$73,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$73,890
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $73,890 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income locally is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
3,640
Total Jobs
8.992
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.96x the national average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science 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 0.96 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines suggests that the job market for these roles is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a competitive but accessible market, where opportunities exist without being overwhelmingly saturated or scarce compared to the rest of the country.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $73,890. This typically ranges from $37,700 for entry-level positions to $120,210 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 19.5% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $73,890 is below the national average of $91,840, although the cost of living is also at the national average, balancing purchasing power.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science 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 ($77,220) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines job market compare nationally for these science roles?
The job market in Des Moines-West Des Moines is very close to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.96, indicating a similar concentration of these roles.
What is the total number of Life, Physical, and Social Science professionals in Des Moines?
There are approximately 3,640 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within the Des Moines-West Des Moines area.
How many science jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Des Moines?
For every 1,000 workers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, there are approximately 8.992 jobs within the Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations sector.
Does the cost of living affect the Des Moines salary for scientists?
Yes, the cost of living in Des Moines is at the national average (100), meaning the $73,890 salary has the same purchasing power as a higher nominal salary in a more expensive region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,640 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 8.992 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA