Software Developers Salary in Des Moines, IA

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

Median annual salary $124,630 -6.3% vs national
Median hourly $59.92
10th percentile $74,560
90th percentile $170,040
Employed locally 4,750
National median $133,080

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Software Developers
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    In Des Moines, IA, software developers earn a median annual salary of $124,630 and a median hourly wage of $59.92. This figure is slightly lower than the national median annual salary for software developers, which stands at $133,080, reflecting potential regional economic variations or industry concentration differences. When compared to local household income in Des Moines, where the area median household income is $84,209, it's clear that software developers earn significantly more than the average household, highlighting their high earning potential within the region.

    Entry-level software developers typically earn closer to the 10th percentile of $74,560 annually, while experienced professionals can reach the 75th percentile with salaries around $135,360 and even higher at the 90th percentile, reaching up to $170,040. This substantial difference in earnings between entry-level and seasoned developers is driven by several factors including years of experience, specialized skills or certifications, project complexity, and demand for specific programming languages or technologies. As professionals advance in their careers, gaining expertise and assuming more complex roles often leads to increased compensation, reflecting the value they bring to their organizations.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $74,560
    25th
    $99,410
    50th (median)
    $124,630
    75th
    $135,360
    90th
    $170,040

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Software Developers salary vs area income 148% Median Software Developers salary is 48% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Software Developers make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for Software Developers in Des Moines, IA is $59.92, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $80.85 or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines above or below average for Software Developers salaries?

    The median Software Developers salary in Des Moines, IA is 6.3% below the national median of $133,080. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Software Developers in Des Moines?

    Entry-level Software Developers (10th percentile) earn around $74,560 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $99,410.