Average Protective Service Occupations Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, professionals in Protective Service Occupations earn an impressive average annual salary of $60,340. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,820, indicating a localized premium for these essential roles. The specific economic landscape and demand within the Des Moines-West Des Moines area likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $104,630.
- Outlook: The local job market for Protective Service Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.65. While this suggests a slightly lower presence compared to the national average, the total local workforce of 6,290 individuals still represents a substantial pool of talent and potential demand. The presence of 15.517 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not overwhelmingly high, level of employment opportunities within this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Protective Service Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns+37.7%above the national average.
$29
$1,160
$5,028
Protective Service Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Protective Service Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic factors, inflation, and increasing demand for security and safety personnel typically drive upward adjustments in compensation, suggesting that the average salary of $60,340 may have seen a positive trajectory.
Protective Service Occupations Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Within the Protective Service Occupations field, salary progression is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior roles, supervisory positions, and those requiring specialized skills or certifications will naturally earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement opportunities, rewarding dedication and expertise with increased financial compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $31,960 | $15.4 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $45,255 | $21.8 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $49,710 | $23.9 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $75,425 | $36.3 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $104,630 | $50.3 |
Detailed Protective Service Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $60,340 in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Protective Service Occupations salary in this region is equivalent to the national average. While the salary is higher than the national average for the occupation, the cost of living does not present a disadvantage, making it a stable financial environment.
Job Market Context
6,290
Total Jobs
15.517
Per 1K Jobs
0.65
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.65x the national average concentration of Protective Service Occupations 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 0.65, the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA market for Protective Service Occupations is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is present and provides stable employment, it may not be a primary industry driver for the region. The job market is likely competitive, with opportunities available but perhaps not as abundant as in areas with a higher concentration of these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Protective Service Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Protective Service Occupations Salary | $59,180↓ 2% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Protective Service Occupations Salary | $54,030↓ 10% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Protective Service Occupations Salary | $54,840↓ 9% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Protective Service Occupations Salary | $55,000↓ 9% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Protective Service Occupations Salary | $55,100↓ 9% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Protective Service Occupations make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Protective Service Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $60,340. This typically ranges from $31,960 for entry-level positions to $104,630 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 37.7% higher than the national median of $43,820.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Protective Service Occupationss?
Yes, it offers above-average earnings.Protective Service Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earn an average of $60,340 annually, significantly higher than the national average. Coupled with a Cost of Living Index at the national average, this makes the area financially attractive for these professionals.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Protective Service 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 ($59,180) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines salary compare to the national average for Protective Service Occupations?
The average annual salary for Protective Service Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $60,340, which is substantially higher than the national average of $43,820.
What is the Cost of Living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated is the Protective Service Occupations job market in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The job market for Protective Service Occupations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has a Location Quotient of 0.65, indicating it is less concentrated than the national average.
How many Protective Service Occupations jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
There are approximately 15.517 Protective Service Occupations jobs per 1,000 workers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,290 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 15.517 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Protective Service Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA