Average Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, earn an average annual salary of $85,530. This figure is slightly below the national average of $89,300, reflecting a localized market dynamic. Factors such as industry concentration and regional demand for specialized safety expertise contribute to this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $85,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $122,080.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area supports a dedicated workforce of 270 Occupational Health and Safety Specialists. With a Location Quotient of 0.81, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of 0.673 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit moderate, demand for these critical roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-4.2%below the national average.
$41.1
$1,645
$7,128
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Des Moines-West Des Moines is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by increasing regulatory compliance needs, a greater emphasis on workplace safety, and the evolving complexity of industrial operations.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Career progression for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines typically correlates with increased salary. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. The salary distribution, with its distinct gaps between experience levels, clearly signifies a robust career ladder.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $52,290 | $25.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $64,148 | $30.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $82,830 | $39.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $106,913 | $51.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $122,080 | $58.7 |
Detailed Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$85,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$85,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $85,530 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an OHS Specialist's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living regions.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
0.673
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.81x the national average concentration of Occupational Health and Safety Specialists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.81, the Des Moines-West Des Moines market for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, there may be opportunities for skilled professionals to enter the market without facing intense competition. The demand, indicated by jobs per 1,000 workers, remains steady, pointing to a balanced job market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Health and Safety Specialists make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $85,530. This typically ranges from $52,290 for entry-level positions to $122,080 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 4.2% lower than the national median of $89,300.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
Yes, it offers a stable earning potential.The average salary of $85,530 is competitive, especially when considering the national average cost of living. While the salary is slightly below the national average, the equivalent cost of living ensures strong purchasing power.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Occupational Health and Safety 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 ($83,200) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines OHS Specialist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $85,530, which is slightly lower than the national average of $89,300.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100.
How concentrated is the OHS Specialist job market in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.81, indicating a stable demand.
What is the total number of Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
There are approximately 270 Occupational Health and Safety 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 270 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.673 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA