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College Professor Salary in Des Moines, IA

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

Median Salary
$73,177
per year in Des Moines
Entry Level
$43,747
Starting salary
Senior Level
$107,379
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
97
3% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how college professor salaries break down across different pay periods in Des Moines.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$43,747$73,177$107,379
Monthly$3,646$6,098$8,948
Biweekly$1,683$2,815$4,130
Weekly$841$1,407$2,065
Hourly$21$35$52

Des Moines vs National Average

How Des Moines's college professor salaries compare to national figures.

Des Moines Salary
$73,177
COL Index: 97
National Average
$92,000
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$18,823
Lower 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 College Professor

Overview

Teach college courses and conduct research in their field of expertise.

Education

PhD or Master's degree in subject area

Key Skills

Subject ExpertiseResearchLecturingAcademic Writing

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +15% over the next decade

Compare Cities: College Professor Salary

See College Professor salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$215,050
+194%
Los Angeles, CA
$195,482
+167%
Chicago, IL
$108,192
+48%
Houston, TX
$86,526
+18%
Phoenix, AZ
$91,770
+25%

Financial Tools to Explore

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College Professor Salary in Des Moines, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a college professor in Des Moines, IA is $73,177 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 college professor professionals in Des Moines can expect to earn around $43,747 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level college professors earning approximately $107,379 per year. This represents a 145% 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 $92,000, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a college professor's salary in Des Moines typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 21.3% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

College Professors are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 15% 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.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. 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.