Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary in Des Moines, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Median annual salary $50,170 +17.8% vs national
Median hourly $24.12
10th percentile $41,980
90th percentile $59,710
Employed locally 140
National median $42,580

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Agricultural Equipment Operators
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Des Moines, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $41,980
    25th
    $46,530
    50th (median)
    $50,170
    75th
    $57,440
    90th
    $59,710

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Agricultural Equipment Operators salary vs area income 60% Median Agricultural Equipment Operators salary is 40% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Agricultural Equipment Operators

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area $61,580
    Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $54,380
    Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN $54,020
    Montana $53,900
    Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $53,510
    Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area $52,870

    Nearby metros — Agricultural Equipment Operators salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN $54,020
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $50,460
    Dubuque, IA $50,010
    Indiana $48,930
    Sioux City, IA-NE-SD $48,880
    Cedar Rapids, IA $48,560

    Related occupations in Des Moines, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $32,100
    Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $37,220
    Agricultural Inspectors $50,880
    First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $50,560

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Agricultural Equipment Operators make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for Agricultural Equipment Operators in Des Moines, IA is $24.12, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $31.36 or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines above or below average for Agricultural Equipment Operators salaries?

    The median Agricultural Equipment Operators salary in Des Moines, IA is 17.8% above the national median of $42,580. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Agricultural Equipment Operators in Des Moines?

    Entry-level Agricultural Equipment Operators (10th percentile) earn around $41,980 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $46,530.