Electrician Salary in Des Moines, IA: $64,172 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrician in Des Moines, IA earns a median $64,172/year (≈ $30.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.7), that paycheck buys what $69,980 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% below the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected electrician salary in Des Moines, IA, reaches a median of $64,172, representing a slight decrease of 0.55% compared to the national median of $64,530. The salary range for electricians in the area varies significantly, from $40,582 at the 10th percentile to as much as $94,614 at the 90th percentile. This diverse range highlights the substantial pay gap influenced by the structure of the local job market, particularly the strong presence of IBEW union electricians, who tend to earn 30-50% more than their non-union counterparts. The official data from BLS OEWS surveys suggests that the union's leverage, alongside growing demand for specialized skills, plays a significant role in shaping earning potential for electricians in this region.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,582 | $19.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,843 | $23.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,172 | $30.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,135 | $39.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,614 | $45.49 |
Median Salary Position
0.55% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, IA, the electrician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,032 (2026 est.). At $64,172, the local median is 0.55% below the national median of $64,530.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Moines Electrician Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $64,172/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $64,430 | -0.40% less |
| National Average | $64,530 | -0.55% less |
Electricians in Des Moines, IA earn a median of $64,172 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.55% lower than the national median of $64,530 and 0.40% below the Iowa state average of $64,430.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 8.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 91.701 (below the national average of 100). A electrician earning $64,172 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,980 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,880
2025 BLS Actual
$62,840
2026 Current Est.
$64,172
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,880 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,550 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,650 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,172 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,533 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median electrician salary grew 12.5% from $55,880 (2019) to $62,840 (2025). At a 2.12% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,533 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,653 (17.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.12% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $40,582 – $47,843 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,843 – $64,172 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,172 – $82,135 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,135 – $94,614 |
ELEC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrician Job Market in Des Moines
Turning to the local job market, Des Moines currently employs approximately 2,870 electricians. The city boasts a cost-of-living index of 91.701, indicating that while earnings are slightly below the national average, the affordability of living in the area may offset this disparity. Employers such as IBEW signatory contractors, particularly in commercial and industrial sectors, typically offer the most competitive wages and benefits. Non-union contractors focusing on residential work often pay less, while industrial maintenance positions within manufacturing plants or data centers can yield higher rates depending on the specialty. The gap between lower and higher wages is driven by various factors including specialization in areas like industrial controls and renewable energy, as well as the availability of overtime. Electricians looking to maximize their pay in Des Moines should consider pursuing union membership, obtaining master and contractor licenses, and acquiring skills in emerging sectors like solar PV and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,840 for electriciansin the Des Moines metropolitan area. A 2.12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.12%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electricians (SOC 47-2111).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov