Accountant Salary in Des Moines, IA (2026)
Accountants and auditors prepare financial records, ensure accuracy, and assess financial operations for businesses and individuals.
Median Annual Salary
$83,750
in Des Moines · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$90,295
adjusted for local cost of living
Accountants in Des Moines
The median annual salary for a Accountant in Des Moines, IA is $83,750 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $6,979/month or $40/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($94,180), Des Moines pays 11% less than the typical city.
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92.8 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $83,750 in Des Moines is equivalent to $90,295 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Des Moines metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Accountants by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newark, NJ | $121,970 |
| 2 | New York, NY | $121,970 |
| 3 | Jersey City, NJ | $121,970 |
| 4 | Berkeley, CA | $119,870 |
| 5 | San Francisco, CA | $119,870 |
| 6 | Oakland, CA | $119,870 |
| 7 | Washington, DC | $108,670 |
| 8 | Arlington, VA | $108,670 |
| 9 | Alexandria, VA | $108,670 |
| 10 | Tacoma, WA | $106,100 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Des Moines
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $119,860 |
| Registered Nurse | $79,650 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $56,320 |
| Electrician | $67,140 |
Full cost of living profile for Des Moines
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Des Moines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Accountant salary in Des Moines?
The median annual salary for a Accountant in Des Moines, IA is $83,750 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Des Moines Accountant pay compare nationally?
Des Moines Accountant pay ($83,750) is 11% below the median across surveyed cities ($94,180).
Does cost of living affect Accountant salaries in Des Moines?
Yes. Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92.8 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $83,750 salary in Des Moines has the purchasing power of approximately $90,295 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology