Police Officer Salary in Des Moines, IA
How much does a police officer make in Des Moines? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Des Moines's cost of living.
Salary Breakdown by Experience Level
See how police officer salaries break down across different pay periods in Des Moines.
| Period | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $39,437 | $63,850 | $89,202 |
| Monthly | $3,286 | $5,321 | $7,434 |
| Biweekly | $1,517 | $2,456 | $3,431 |
| Weekly | $758 | $1,228 | $1,715 |
| Hourly | $19 | $31 | $43 |
Des Moines vs National Average
How Des Moines's police officer salaries compare to national figures.
Cost of Living in Des Moines
About Police Officer
Overview
Protect public safety and enforce laws.
Education
High school diploma; police academy training required
Key Skills
Growth Rate
Expected job growth: +12% over the next decade
Compare Cities: Police Officer Salary
See Police Officer salaries in other top cities.
Financial Tools to Explore
Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a police officer 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.
Police Officer Salary in Des Moines, IA — Complete Guide
Median Salary Overview
The median salary for a police officer in Des Moines, IA is $63,850 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 police officer professionals in Des Moines can expect to earn around $39,437 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level police officers earning approximately $89,202 per year. This represents a 126% 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 $76,000, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.
Housing and Affordability
A significant portion of a police officer's salary in Des Moines typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 24.4% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.
Career Growth and Opportunities
Police Officers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 12% 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.