Senior Data Analyst Salary in Des Moines, IA: $100,428 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of data analysts working in Des Moines, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $100,428/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2051. Strip back Des Moines's price premium (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $109,517 in average-cost America. The 46% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, IA, experienced data analysts command significant salaries, particularly at the senior level. For those with over seven years of experience, the potential earnings can be quite lucrative, with top earners (P90) drawing an impressive $100,428 annually and those at the P75 level earning around $89,241. This stark contrast with the median annual salary of $68,893 exemplifies the experience premium prevalent in this field. Achieving top-tier pay in this market typically requires a combination of advanced technical skills, industry knowledge, and successful project leadership. Senior analysts who continuously evolve their skill set, particularly in high-demand areas, can expect to reach these outstanding salary figures by 2026.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Experienced data analysts at the top of the pay scale in Des Moines earn between $89,241 and $100,428 per year (2026 est.). This $56,644 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Des Moines median of $68,893 sits 14.31% below the US median.
Top DA Salary Comparison
| Level | Des Moines | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $68,893 | $80,394 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,241 | $106,238 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $100,428 | $133,152 |
In Des Moines, experienced data analysts (P90) earn 45.77% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Data Analyst Pay in Des Moines
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA data analysts with additional specialty certifications within the data analysis field earn significantly above the $68,893 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Des Moines employers.
Specialty Focus
Data Analysts focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the data analysis field in Des Moines command premium compensation, often reaching the $89,241–$100,428 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Des Moines metro area, which is a large DA employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced data analysts who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured data analysts in Des Moines with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Data Analysts in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Data Analyst Career & Wage Growth Path in Des Moines
Clinical Data Analyst
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Data Analyst
5-10 yearsData Analyst Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDes Moines ranks #3 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner data analyst salary (90th percentile: $100,428).
Top 10% data analyst compensation in Des Moines ($100,428) is 3.07% above the Iowa average P90 ($97,433).
2021 BLS Actual
$131,040
2025 BLS Actual
$96,122
2026 Current Est.
$100,428
2021–2027 Growth
+-19.9%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Des Moines (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $131,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $136,220 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,970 | Actual |
| 2024 | $140,620 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,122 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,428 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,927 | Projected |
Top-earning data analysts (90th percentile) in Des Moines saw their compensation grow -26.6% from $131,040 in 2021 to $96,122 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.48% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $104,927 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.48% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Data Analyst Earnings in Des Moines
Occupational specializations significantly influence compensation in Des Moines, particularly for senior data analysts. Roles such as machine learning engineers, research scientists, and data scientists focusing on complex methodologies like A/B testing or causal inference can yield notable premiums in salary. Moreover, compensation varies widely based on employer type; those in larger tech firms or AI-focused startups may experience higher packages compared to traditional organizations. Advancement opportunities abound, where seasoned data professionals can transition into leadership roles such as principal scientist or product manager, often bolstered by advanced credentials like a Master's or PhD in relevant fields. Notably, total compensation packages may also include a mix of stock options and bonuses, often making up a significant portion of earnings. Organizations like FAANG typically offer the most lucrative packages, escalating total earnings significantly beyond base salaries.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced data analysts make in Des Moines in 2026?
What drives higher data analyst pay in Des Moines?
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Can experienced data analysts make six figures in Des Moines?
How much does data analyst salary increase over time in Des Moines?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $96,122 for data analysts in the Des Moines metro area. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.48%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for data analysts (SOC 15-2051).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov