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Average Project Management Specialists Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Project Management Specialists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an average annual salary of $98,120. This figure is notably below the national average of $108,900, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different industry focus influence compensation. While the nominal salary may seem lower, it's crucial to consider the local economic landscape.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $98,120 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $138,300.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,350 Project Management Specialists, the Des Moines-West Des Moines area demonstrates a significant presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.89 indicates that the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally concentrated market. The presence of 5.8 jobs per 1,000 workers points to consistent demand within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$98,120

The average Project Management Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-9.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$47.2

Weekly

$1,887

Monthly

$8,177

Project Management Specialists Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Salary progression for Project Management Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive project portfolios and leadership experience can expect to earn significantly more, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects the increasing value placed on expertise and proven track records.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$62,040$29.8
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$73,590$35.4
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$93,440$44.9
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$122,650$59
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$138,300$66.5

Detailed Project Management Specialists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$98,120

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$98,120

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $98,120 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 purchasing power of a Project Management Specialist's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living regions.

Job Market Context

2,350

Total Jobs

5.8

Per 1K Jobs

0.89

Location Quotient

Below Average

Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.89x the national average concentration of Project Management Specialists 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 0.89 for Project Management Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, signifies that the concentration of these roles is slightly less than the national average. This suggests a competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly high compared to national benchmarks, offering a balanced environment for both job seekers and employers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Project Management Specialists

CitySalaryDist.
Ames, IA Project Management Specialists Salary$88,280↓ 10%31 mi
Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Project Management Specialists Salary$94,110↓ 4%37 mi
Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Project Management Specialists Salary$151,220↑ 54%37 mi
Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Project Management Specialists Salary$95,230↓ 3%37 mi
Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Project Management Specialists Salary$86,340↓ 12%37 mi

Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Hiring Project Management Specialistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Project Management Specialists make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The median annual salary for a Project Management Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $98,120. This typically ranges from $62,040 for entry-level positions to $138,300 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 9.9% lower than the national median of $108,900.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Project Management Specialists?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $98,120 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $108,900. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the salary's purchasing power is equivalent.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Project Management 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 ($88,280) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

How does the cost of living affect the Project Management Specialist salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $98,120 average salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment for professionals in this role.

What is the job market like for Project Management Specialists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The market is stable, with a workforce of 2,350 and a Location Quotient slightly below the national average, indicating consistent demand without extreme competition.

How much more can a senior Project Management Specialist earn compared to an entry-level one in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

While exact figures vary, senior specialists can expect significantly higher earnings, often reaching into the upper salary percentiles, reflecting their experience and responsibilities.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good location for career growth in Project Management?

Yes, the presence of a substantial workforce and consistent job opportunities suggest a viable path for career progression, especially as experience is gained and specialized skills are developed.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,350 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 5.8 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Semantic Salary Analysis for Project Management Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA