Home / City Job Salaries / Painter in Des Moines

Painter Salary in Des Moines, IA

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

Median Salary
$55,130
per year in Des Moines
Entry Level
$28,625
Starting salary
Senior Level
$76,334
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
97
3% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$28,625$55,130$76,334
Monthly$2,385$4,594$6,361
Biweekly$1,101$2,120$2,936
Weekly$550$1,060$1,468
Hourly$14$27$37

Des Moines vs National Average

How Des Moines's painter salaries compare to national figures.

Des Moines Salary
$55,130
COL Index: 97
National Average
$63,130
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$8,000
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 Painter

Overview

Paint structures and surfaces for protection and aesthetics.

Education

High school diploma; apprenticeship preferred

Key Skills

Painting TechniquesSurface PreparationSafetyColor Matching

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +10% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Painter Salary

See Painter salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$58,450
+6%
Los Angeles, CA
$58,040
+5%
Chicago, IL
$63,140
+15%
Houston, TX
$44,980
-18%
Phoenix, AZ
$47,630
-14%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a painter salary in Des Moines.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Des Moines.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Des Moines.

Painter Salary in Des Moines, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a painter in Des Moines, IA is $55,130 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 painter professionals in Des Moines can expect to earn around $28,625 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level painters earning approximately $76,334 per year. This represents a 167% 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 $63,130, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a painter's salary in Des Moines typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 28.3% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Painters are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 10% 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.