Des Moines Employment

Employment and Industries in the Des Moines, Iowa Area

Des Moines is the economic core of Iowa. It's also regarded as a major center for the insurance industry. It includes the headquarters of nearly 70 insurance companies and also a large number of regional offices. The city also includes a large financial services and publishing business base.

Des Moines is home to the headquarters of notable companies such as Principal Life Insurance Company, EMC Insurance Companies, Ruan Transportation, Meredith Corporation and Wellmark Blue Cross, Blue Shield. Prominent companies which have large operations in the region are Wells Fargo, ING Group, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Electronic Data Systems.

A large number of jobs are located in sectors such as manufacturing, agribusiness, healthcare, wholesale and retail trade, and the government. The state of Iowa is one of the largest employers.

The manufacturing industry has a significant impact on the region's economy. The manufacturing sector includes companies such as Rockwell Collins, Maytag and Amana appliances and Pella.

The city also includes numerous companies which are involved in biotechnology research. In addition, Des Moines' fiber optics telecommunications industry is growing.

Accolades for Des Moines Iowa: A Business Wire article stated that Des Moines is the number one spot for U.S. insurance companies. Ranked by Forbes Magazine as the fourth best place for business. Ranked #9 in the "best cities" list provided by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.

The following is a list of the top employers in the Des Moines Metro Area:

  • Principal Life Insurance Company
  • Iowa Health Systems
  • Mercy Hospital Medical Center
  • Hy-Vee Food Stores
  • United Parcel Service
  • Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
  • Bridgestone/Firestone
  • Dahl's Supermarkets
  • Communications Data Services, Inc
  • Qwest Corporation
  • Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc
  • Wellmark, Inc (Blue Cross)
  • Electronic Data Systems, Corp
  • Marsh
  • Meredith Corporation
  • Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
  • Deere & Company
  • Des Moines Register

Des Moines top job providing sectors are:

  • Insurance
  • Financial services
  • Government
  • Manufacturing
  • Trade
  • Services

Interesting information regarding Des Moines Iowa: The city has two designated Iowa Enterprise Zones. The cost of living index in 2008 in Des Moines was 80.00 and the nation's average is 100. About 22% of the adult residents have earned a bachelor's degree or better. The estimated median household income in Des Moines in 2007 was $43,000.

Businesses located in Des Moines are provided help by organizations such as:

The Des Moines Business Record is an excellent resource for those seeking to keep up-to-date with local business and industry news.

Jobs in Des Moines

RankTitleTotal EmployeesLocal Mean Salary (Per Year)Local Mean Salary (Per hour)National Growth % 2014-2024
1All Occupations371710$52,890$25.43100
2Office and Administrative Support Occupations54010$42,830$20.5913.75
3Sales and Related Occupations39400$43,580$20.959.5
4Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations30990$25,220$12.138.7
5Business and Financial Operations Occupations29890$73,090$35.145.35
6Transportation and Material Moving Occupations28110$39,710$19.096.7
7Management Occupations23800$112,970$54.316.35
8Educational Instruction and Library Occupations22360$48,860$23.496
9Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations19650$81,980$39.415.85
10Production Occupations16820$37,590$18.075.6
11Computer and Mathematical Occupations16430$84,680$40.713
12Construction and Extraction Occupations15650$49,470$23.784.6
13Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations14260$48,920$23.523.75
14Healthcare Support Occupations12440$32,660$15.72.85
15Retail Salespersons10750$28,990$13.942.7
16Customer Service Representatives10480$42,370$20.371.75
17Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations10060$30,160$14.53.6
18Cashiers9910$23,590$11.342.2
19Fast Food and Counter Workers9460$22,960$11.042.45
20Personal Care and Service Occupations8550$28,990$13.944.65
21Protective Service Occupations7650$44,960$21.622.2
22Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers7580$50,550$24.31.2
23Registered Nurses7280$62,790$30.191.95
24Office Clerks, General7010$36,810$17.71.9
25Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand6180$34,560$16.611.8
26General and Operations Managers6130$111,980$53.831.5
27Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations5810$49,150$23.631.8
28Waiters and Waitresses5740$22,900$11.011.65
29Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners5720$28,380$13.651.5
30Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks4860$44,220$21.261.05
31Home Health and Personal Care Aides4670$28,160$13.540
32Community and Social Service Occupations4610$51,720$24.871.75
33Architecture and Engineering Occupations4490$74,180$35.661.7
34Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers4490$96,640$46.460.65
35Nursing Assistants4290$32,250$15.50.95
36Accountants and Auditors4070$75,230$36.170.9
37Stockers and Order Fillers4060$30,000$14.431.25
38Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products3960$76,260$36.660.85
39First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers3680$64,100$30.820.95
40Computer Systems Analysts3630$85,710$41.210.4
41Financial Managers3490$132,340$63.630.4
42Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive3390$40,760$19.61.4
43Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists, All Other3260$75,150$36.130.7
44Management Analysts3100$85,900$41.30.55
45Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks2940$44,410$21.350.2
46Security Guards2920$33,980$16.340.7
47Cooks, Restaurant2810$28,960$13.920.9
48Maintenance and Repair Workers, General2810$42,410$20.390.9
49Insurance Sales Agents2720$76,880$36.960.3
50First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers2670$42,370$20.370.95
51Construction Laborers2620$38,830$18.670.9
52Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations2550$64,870$31.190.8
53Bartenders2440$22,860$10.990.4
54First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers2340$37,020$17.80.6
55Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators2290$30,540$14.680.8
56Receptionists and Information Clerks2280$32,400$15.580.7
57Financial and Investment Analysts, Financial Risk Specialists, and Financial Specialists, All Other2130$87,150$41.90.2
58Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel2130$71,880$34.560.7
59Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators2100$66,480$31.960.2
60Substitute Teachers, Short-Term2070$32,630$15.690.4
61Light Truck Drivers2060$36,520$17.560.6
62Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists2060$74,020$35.590.45
63Childcare Workers1950$24,480$11.770.7
64Cooks, Fast Food1920$25,560$12.290.3
65Human Resources Specialists1920$65,940$31.70.4
66Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education1820$26,410$12.70.3
67Electricians1740$54,400$26.150.45
68Loan Officers1700$66,760$32.10.2
69Computer User Support Specialists1680$53,830$25.880.4
70Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers1680$33,210$15.960.75
71Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners1680$25,090$12.060.9
72Bill and Account Collectors1640$37,520$18.040.15
73First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers1630$67,150$32.290.4
74Computer and Information Systems Managers1610$136,680$65.710.3
75Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants1610$55,760$26.810.35
76Driver/Sales Workers1590$35,050$16.850.3
77Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics1550$47,150$22.670.5
78Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors1530$31,610$15.20.2
79Lawyers1480$131,480$63.210.5
80Billing and Posting Clerks1400$40,640$19.540.3
81Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants1380$36,970$17.770.4
82Medical and Health Services Managers1360$92,570$44.50.3
83Food Preparation Workers1350$26,180$12.590.5
84Passenger Vehicle Drivers, Except Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity1350$39,440$18.960.3
85Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers1310$53,830$25.880.2
86First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers1260$68,130$32.760.3
87Medical Assistants1250$37,870$18.210.45
88Training and Development Specialists1250$65,040$31.270.2
89Carpenters1230$44,290$21.290.6
90Industrial Machinery Mechanics1230$51,420$24.720.2
91First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers1220$59,530$28.620.4
92Sales Managers1200$119,100$57.260.3
93Counter and Rental Clerks1190$28,390$13.650.3
94Insurance Underwriters1180$68,650$33.010.1
95Network and Computer Systems Administrators1160$83,600$40.190.2
96Personal Service Managers, All Other; Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling; and Managers, All Other1100$129,720$62.360.7
97Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses1080$46,720$22.460.5
98Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products1080$89,480$43.020.2
99Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers1070$42,510$20.440.1
100Correctional Officers and Jailers1070$50,980$24.510.25
Source: 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov
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Additional Details

Des Moines Colleges
Des Moines colleges and trade schools.

Jobs More Common Near Des Moines Than Most Other Cities

* Average job popularity for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalaryLocal Jobs
All Occupations$52,890371,710
Office and Administrative Support Occupations$42,83054,010
Sales and Related Occupations$43,58039,400
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations$25,22030,990
Business and Financial Operations Occupations$73,09029,890
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations$39,71028,110
Management Occupations$112,97023,800
Educational Instruction and Library Occupations$48,86022,360
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations$81,98019,650
Production Occupations$37,59016,820
Computer and Mathematical Occupations$84,68016,430
Construction and Extraction Occupations$49,47015,650
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations$48,92014,260
Healthcare Support Occupations$32,66012,440
Retail Salespersons$28,99010,750
Customer Service Representatives$42,37010,480
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations$30,16010,060
Cashiers$23,5909,910
Fast Food and Counter Workers$22,9609,460
Personal Care and Service Occupations$28,9908,550
Protective Service Occupations$44,9607,650
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$50,5507,580
Registered Nurses$62,7907,280
Office Clerks, General$36,8107,010
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$34,5606,180
General and Operations Managers$111,9806,130
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations$49,1505,810
Waiters and Waitresses$22,9005,740
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$28,3805,720
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$44,2204,860
Home Health and Personal Care Aides$28,1604,670
Community and Social Service Occupations$51,7204,610
Architecture and Engineering Occupations$74,1804,490
Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$96,6404,490
Nursing Assistants$32,2504,290
Accountants and Auditors$75,2304,070
Stockers and Order Fillers$30,0004,060
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$76,2603,960
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$64,1003,680
Computer Systems Analysts$85,7103,630
Financial Managers$132,3403,490
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$40,7603,390
Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists, All Other$75,1503,260
Management Analysts$85,9003,100
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks$44,4102,940
Security Guards$33,9802,920
Cooks, Restaurant$28,9602,810
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$42,4102,810
Insurance Sales Agents$76,8802,720
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$42,3702,670

Work Paying Relatively Well in the Des Moines, Iowa Metro Area (2008 data)

* Average Salary Index for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalaryLocal Jobs
All Occupations$52,890371,710
Office and Administrative Support Occupations$42,83054,010
Sales and Related Occupations$43,58039,400
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations$25,22030,990
Business and Financial Operations Occupations$73,09029,890
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations$39,71028,110
Management Occupations$112,97023,800
Educational Instruction and Library Occupations$48,86022,360
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations$81,98019,650
Production Occupations$37,59016,820
Computer and Mathematical Occupations$84,68016,430
Construction and Extraction Occupations$49,47015,650
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations$48,92014,260
Healthcare Support Occupations$32,66012,440
Retail Salespersons$28,99010,750
Customer Service Representatives$42,37010,480
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations$30,16010,060
Personal Care and Service Occupations$28,9908,550
Protective Service Occupations$44,9607,650
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$50,5507,580
Registered Nurses$62,7907,280
Office Clerks, General$36,8107,010
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$34,5606,180
General and Operations Managers$111,9806,130
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations$49,1505,810
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$28,3805,720
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$44,2204,860
Home Health and Personal Care Aides$28,1604,670
Community and Social Service Occupations$51,7204,610
Architecture and Engineering Occupations$74,1804,490
Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$96,6404,490
Nursing Assistants$32,2504,290
Accountants and Auditors$75,2304,070
Stockers and Order Fillers$30,0004,060
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$76,2603,960
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$64,1003,680
Computer Systems Analysts$85,7103,630
Financial Managers$132,3403,490
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$40,7603,390
Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists, All Other$75,1503,260
Management Analysts$85,9003,100
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks$44,4102,940
Security Guards$33,9802,920
Cooks, Restaurant$28,9602,810
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$42,4102,810
Insurance Sales Agents$76,8802,720
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$42,3702,670
Construction Laborers$38,8302,620
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations$64,8702,550
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$37,0202,340

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