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Bookkeeper Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

Updated 2026-04-05BLS 2024 data — be the first to add a local report

Salary Distribution

BLS 2024
$42,222/ year

Median Bookkeeper in Des Moines, IA

$26,273
10th
$32,040
25th
$42,222
Median
$53,401
75th
$65,149
90th

Compensation Breakdown

BLS 2024
Base salary (median)
$42,222
Total compensation (est.)
$48,555
Bonus range
$1,800 – $7,200
Mean salary
$44,755

How This Compares

Des Moines, IA median
$42,222
Iowa median
$48,389-12.7%
National median
$47,440-11.0%

Cost of living in Des Moines is 0% below the national average. Salary of $42,222 here is equivalent to $42,222 nationally.

Salary by Experience

0-2 years
$30,400-28.0%
3-5 years
$38,422-9.0%
6-10 years
$47,289+12.0%
10+ years
$58,266+38.0%

Salary by Company Size

Startup (< 100 employees)
$37,155-12.0%
Mid-size (100–5,000)
$42,222
Enterprise (5,000+)
$49,822+18.0%

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Bookkeeper Salaries in Nearby Cities

Cedar Rapids, IA$47,440/yr
Davenport, IA$47,440/yr

Related Jobs in Des Moines

Financial Analyst$88,119/yr
Accountant$71,093/yr
CPA$71,093/yr
Investment Banker$88,119/yr
Financial Advisor$88,626/yr

Quick Numbers

Hourly (40hr week)$20/hr
Monthly gross$3,519/mo
25th percentile$32,040/yr
75th percentile$53,401/yr

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Market Context

via FRED

Fed Funds Rate

Mar 2026

3.64%

Inflation (CPI)

year-over-year

2.4%+0.04

National Unemployment

Mar 2026

4.3%-0.10

Iowa Unemployment

Dec 2025

3.5%

Avg Hourly Earnings

all private workers

$37.38+$0.09

10yr Treasury

Apr 2026

4.31%

Source: St. Louis Fed (FRED). Updated daily.

Bookkeeper Salaries by City

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Bookkeeper salary in Des Moines?

The median Bookkeeper salary in Des Moines is $42,222 per year, with a range from $32,040 at the 25th percentile to $53,401 at the 75th percentile. Total compensation including bonuses typically runs higher — see the breakdown above for the full picture.

How does Bookkeeper pay in Des Moines compare to the national average?

Bookkeeper salaries in Des Moines are 11% below the national median of $47,440. After adjusting for Des Moines's cost of living, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to roughly $42,222 nationally — which is the number that actually matters when comparing offers across cities.

What factors affect Bookkeeper salaries in Des Moines?

In Des Moines, the biggest drivers are years of experience, company size, and industry vertical. Entry-level Bookkeeper roles start around $26,273, while senior and staff-level positions at larger employers can reach $65,149 or above. Specialized skills and in-demand tools can also meaningfully shift where you land in the range.

Is Des Moines a good place for Bookkeeper jobs?

Des Moines offers a Bookkeeper median of $42,222, which is 11% below the US median of $47,440. Whether that makes it a good market depends on your personal cost-of-living equation — Des Moines is 0% cheaper than the national average, so factor that into your math.

How do I negotiate a higher Bookkeeper salary?

Start with the data on this page: the 75th percentile for Bookkeeper in Des Moines is $53,401, which is a defensible anchor for a negotiation. Come in with a specific number backed by real market data — not a range — and reference your experience tier. If you're above the median, ask for the 75th percentile. If you're already at the 75th, push for total comp improvements like equity or bonus instead.