salary$81,810 a year$39 an hour · median pay in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$62,540per year
Top pay (top 10%)$104,470per year
Jobs in the area1,240people work this job
Can a police officer afford Des Moines?
Cheap. Rent of $1,266 a month takes 18.6% of the median police officer salary. That is under the 30% rule, so one paycheck covers rent comfortably.
Police Officer pay in similar cities
Other jobs in Des Moines
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a police officer make in Des Moines, IA?
The median pay for a police officer in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area is $81,810 a year ($39 an hour). Most earn between $62,540 and $104,470.
Can a police officer afford to live in Des Moines?
Typical rent of $1,266 a month takes 18.6% of the median police officer salary, which we rate Cheap.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area.