salary$126,460 a year$61 an hour · median pay in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$79,170per year
Top pay (top 10%)$168,180per year
Jobs in the area4,240people work this job
Can a software developer afford Des Moines?
Cheap. Rent of $1,266 a month takes 12.0% of the median software developer salary. That is under the 30% rule, so one paycheck covers rent comfortably.
Software Developer pay in similar cities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a software developer make in Des Moines, IA?
The median pay for a software developer in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area is $126,460 a year ($61 an hour). Most earn between $79,170 and $168,180.
Can a software developer afford to live in Des Moines?
Typical rent of $1,266 a month takes 12.0% of the median software developer 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.