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Backend Developer Salary in Des Moines, IA

How much does a backend developer make in Des Moines? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Des Moines's cost of living.

Median Salary
$101,780
per year in Des Moines
Entry Level
$60,098
Starting salary
Senior Level
$137,645
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
97
3% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how backend developer salaries break down across different pay periods in Des Moines.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$60,098$101,780$137,645
Monthly$5,008$8,482$11,470
Biweekly$2,311$3,915$5,294
Weekly$1,156$1,957$2,647
Hourly$29$49$66

Des Moines vs National Average

How Des Moines's backend developer salaries compare to national figures.

Des Moines Salary
$101,780
COL Index: 97
National Average
$96,350
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$5,430
Higher in Des Moines

Cost of Living in Des Moines

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$55,234
per year
Population
210,330
residents
Rent % of Income
28.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 97 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Des Moines have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Backend Developer

Overview

Develop server-side applications and manage databases and APIs.

Education

Bachelor's degree or coding bootcamp

Key Skills

Node.jsJavaPythonAPI DevelopmentDatabase Design

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +22% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Backend Developer Salary

See Backend Developer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$109,590
+8%
Los Angeles, CA
$104,410
+3%
Chicago, IL
$90,470
-11%
Houston, TX
$90,617
-11%
Phoenix, AZ
$72,700
-29%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Backend Developer Salary in Des Moines, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a backend developer in Des Moines, IA is $101,780 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 97. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Des Moines's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level backend developer professionals in Des Moines can expect to earn around $60,098 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level backend developers earning approximately $137,645 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Des Moines's cost of living index of 97 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Des Moines are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $96,350, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a backend developer's salary in Des Moines typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 15.3% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Backend Developers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 22% over the next decade. In Des Moines, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.