Getting a Job in Tech in Des Moines in 2025: The Complete Guide
Last Updated: December 5th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Des Moines is emerging as a promising tech hub in 2025, contributing $13.9 billion to Iowa's economy and experiencing a 5.5% increase in tech jobs. With a tech employment growth rate of 6.8% annually, the city offers abundant opportunities in software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity, supported by lower living costs and strategic initiatives. Major projects like Meta's Altoona data center are expanding, and venture capital is up 30%, attracting talent and investment. Des Moines presents a unique, affordable alternative to coastal tech hubs.
The tech scene in Des Moines is seriously taking off, with the industry contributing a massive $13.9 billion to Iowa's economy in 2021. Major tech companies like Microsoft and Meta are expanding here, with Meta's Altoona facility set to become their largest worldwide data center by 2025.
The job market is super promising - we're seeing a 5.5% increase in tech positions, and companies are actively hiring for software developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity specialists.
Google's new Cedar Rapids project is adding even more opportunities, offering positions starting at $24.20 per hour.
Des Moines has become really attractive for tech professionals because of the lower living costs compared to coastal cities. Microsoft's sixth data center is bringing thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of permanent positions, showing just how much the tech sector is growing here.
Whether you're fresh out of college or switching careers, Des Moines offers real opportunities to break into tech. Keep reading to learn exactly how to land your dream tech job in this growing market.
Table of Contents
- Is Des Moines, Iowa Becoming a Tech Hub?
- Iowa's Place in the US Tech Landscape
- Which State is Best for Tech Jobs in the USA?
- Current Tech Job Openings in Des Moines, Iowa
- Top Tech Recruiters in Des Moines, Iowa
- Training Programs for Tech Careers in Des Moines
- Community Engagement in Des Moines Through Tech
- Challenges Facing Tech Job Seekers in Des Moines
- Conclusion: Your Path to a Tech Career in Des Moines, Iowa
- Frequently Asked Questions
Check out next:
Join a welcoming group of aspiring developers at Nucamp's Des Moines coding bootcamp.
Is Des Moines, Iowa Becoming a Tech Hub?
(Up)Des Moines is seriously making waves in the tech world in 2025, and I'm here for it! The city has become a legit tech destination, as shown by the massive success of Tech Hub LIVE, which drew nearly 700 attendees and over 70 exhibiting companies this year.
What's really cool is how Des Moines balances innovation with affordability - the cost of living here is about 20% lower than in Austin, which means more money in your pocket for the things that matter.
The city's transformation isn't just talk - it's backed by real investment.
The Greater Des Moines Partnership has been crushing it with their economic development initiatives, maintaining a pipeline of over 100 prospects.
Tech companies are noticing too, with major events and conferences choosing Des Moines as their home base. For students and recent grads, there's even better news - Aureon just announced $15,000 in STEM scholarships for Iowa students, showing serious commitment to growing local tech talent.
The numbers tell the story: tech employment is growing at 6.8% annually, beating the national average of 5.3%.
We've got 1,179 tech job openings across cybersecurity, data analytics, and software development. What makes this even better is how the city's tech scene keeps evolving - from established companies to startups, there's room for everyone.
With venture capital funding up 30% and Iowa's tech-friendly tax incentives, Des Moines isn't just competing with other tech hubs - it's creating its own unique tech ecosystem that's impossible to ignore.
Iowa's Place in the US Tech Landscape
(Up)Iowa's transformation into a competitive tech hub by 2025 reflects its smart planning and growing job market. The state ranks fifth nationally in STEM degrees per capita, showing its commitment to building a skilled workforce.
The Future Ready Iowa initiative aims for 70% of workers to have post-secondary education, creating a strong foundation for tech growth. According to recent analysis, Iowa's tech scene benefits from industrial electricity rates 20% below the national average, attracting major players like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft.
The job market is especially promising in Des Moines, where tech professionals enjoy competitive salaries and growth opportunities.
The city's tech ecosystem includes established companies and startups, with positions ranging from software development to data analysis. The state's strategic location, within five hours of major cities like Chicago and Kansas City, makes it ideal for tech professionals seeking work-life balance.
With 37 million people living within a 300-mile radius, companies have access to a vast talent pool and market.
What really sets Iowa apart is its commitment to innovation and education.
The state has 40 colleges and universities within a 90-mile radius graduating 41,000 students annually, ensuring a steady pipeline of tech talent.
The Quad Cities Manufacturing Innovation Hub promotes Industry 4.0 technologies, while state initiatives support tech startups through tax incentives and development programs.
Combined with affordable living costs and strong community networks, these factors make Iowa an increasingly attractive destination for tech professionals in 2025.
Which State is Best for Tech Jobs in the USA?
(Up)The tech job landscape in 2025 is shifting in unexpected ways. While everyone thinks California and Washington are the only places to be, Virginia actually leads with 843 tech job vacancies per 100,000 workers, showing there's serious opportunity beyond Silicon Valley.
Texas is projected to add 44,118 new tech jobs, beating out California's 41,080.
The game is changing. States like Vermont and New Hampshire are crushing it in the job market rankings, offering solid opportunities with better work-life balance.
Iowa's tech scene is particularly exciting for Des Moines residents, with major growth in data analytics, cybersecurity, and software development roles.
The state's lower cost of living and growing tech community make it an attractive alternative to expensive coastal cities. The numbers don't lie - we're seeing more tech companies opening offices in unexpected places, creating opportunities everywhere.
- Major employers are noticing Des Moines's potential, with insurance and financial services companies building out their tech teams here.
- Plus, with remote work becoming standard, you can often land jobs with coastal companies while enjoying Iowa's affordable lifestyle.
- The best part? Des Moines offers plenty of entry-level positions perfect for bootcamp grads, especially in software development and IT support.
Companies here are actively recruiting fresh talent, making it easier to break into tech without competing against thousands of other applicants like you would in Silicon Valley.
Current Tech Job Openings in Des Moines, Iowa
(Up)Des Moines is seriously stepping up its tech game in 2025, with some major opportunities opening up across different sectors. HNTB is actively recruiting digital infrastructure solutions interns, perfect for students looking to get real-world experience in emerging tech.
The city's tech scene isn't just about startups - established companies are building strong digital foundations too. Major players like Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield are pushing innovation in healthcare tech, creating exciting roles for developers and digital specialists.
For fresh graduates, engineering positions are available with competitive packages, especially in areas like infrastructure development and systems design.
The city's engineering firms are particularly interested in candidates who can blend technical skills with creative problem-solving abilities. What's super interesting is how traditional sectors are transforming through technology - banks are becoming tech companies, healthcare providers are developing digital platforms, and even government agencies are creating innovative solutions.
The Engineering Department of Des Moines is actively seeking interns who can contribute to the city's digital transformation, showing how tech is reshaping every aspect of the urban landscape.
For anyone starting their tech career or looking to level up, Des Moines offers a really solid mix of opportunities, from hands-on technical roles to positions focusing on digital strategy and implementation.
Top Tech Recruiters in Des Moines, Iowa
(Up)Motion Recruitment stands out as a major player in Des Moines's tech scene, with their office located at 5550 Wild Rose Lane in West Des Moines.
Their latest salary data shows competitive rates, with automation engineers earning between $41-60 per hour, and specialized roles offering even higher compensation.
What makes Motion Recruitment really cool is their deep understanding of the local tech market—they're not just posting jobs, they're actually helping shape the future of tech employment in Iowa.
The company's reach extends beyond basic job placement.
According to Motion Recruitment's 2025 Tech Salary Guide, they're tracking major shifts in IT hiring and compensation trends, giving job seekers the inside scoop on where the money and opportunities are.
Their success comes from focusing on specific tech categories like software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity—which means they actually understand what both companies and candidates need.
What's particularly impressive is Motion's commitment to comprehensive benefits packages.
Even contract positions include medical insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off. Their consultative approach to IT staffing results in a 92% offer acceptance rate and a 95% contract completion rate—basically, when they match you with a job, it's usually the right fit.
They've moved beyond the old-school recruiter model to become more like career partners, which is exactly what today's tech professionals need to navigate the complex job market in Des Moines.
Training Programs for Tech Careers in Des Moines
(Up)Let me tell you about an amazing opportunity in Des Moines - AT&T's B2B Sales Development Program is seriously changing the game for tech careers.
This 4-month paid program isn't just another training course - it comes with a $4,500 sign-on bonus, relocation support, and a monthly housing stipend. What's really cool is that after training at AT&T's Dallas headquarters, you can choose where you want to work from places like San Francisco, Seattle, or New York.
The base pay starts at $57,000, and you can earn up to $23,000 extra in commissions when hitting sales goals. Plus, the benefits package is impressive with 23 days of paid time off, medical coverage, and even tuition reimbursement.
The program structure is built for success.
The first two months focus on classroom training where you'll learn sales fundamentals and tech knowledge. Then you move to hands-on experience for the next two months, actually working with customers and earning commission.
It's perfect for anyone with a bachelor's degree who's ready to dive into tech sales - they especially like business majors, but any major works if you're passionate about sales.
What makes this program stand out is how it sets you up for the future.
After completing the program, you'll be placed in an outside sales role with real career growth potential.
The skills you learn here - from cold calling to managing customer relationships - are exactly what tech companies are looking for. And with Des Moines becoming a legit tech hub, having AT&T on your resume is going to open so many doors.
Whether you're fresh out of college or looking to switch careers, this program is literally a fast track to success in the tech industry.
Community Engagement in Des Moines Through Tech
(Up)Des Moines is seriously stepping up its game in the tech world, with some amazing initiatives bringing the community together. The Iowa Technology Summit 2025 is expected to draw over 700 attendees, showing just how much the tech scene has grown.
The city isn't just about individual success - it's building a collaborative ecosystem where everyone can learn and grow together. The tech community here is particularly excited about programs that connect different groups, from students to industry veterans.
What's really cool is how Des Moines is mixing tech with community development.
Women in Ag Tech is creating awesome opportunities for networking and mentorship, while initiatives like the Tech Squad apprenticeship program at Central Campus are giving students real-world experience.
The city's tech professionals aren't just building careers - they're building bridges between education and industry. This connection is making Des Moines a standout place for anyone looking to break into tech.
The community engagement here is next level.
Tech Hub LIVE is bringing together nearly 700 tech enthusiasts and featuring over 70 companies, creating perfect networking opportunities for job seekers.
These events aren't just about showing off new tech - they're about creating real connections and opportunities. What's really exciting is seeing how traditional companies are embracing innovation, creating more jobs and opportunities for tech professionals.
Whether you're fresh out of bootcamp or an experienced developer, Des Moines has something for everyone in tech.
- Networking Events: Regular tech meetups and conferences where you can connect with industry leaders and potential employers.
- Learning Opportunities: Workshops and training sessions in cutting-edge technologies.
- Community Projects: Chances to work on real projects that impact the local community.
The tech scene here keeps growing, with more companies choosing Des Moines as their home base.
This growth isn't just about business - it's about creating a community where tech professionals can thrive while making a real difference. Whether you're interested in ag tech, cybersecurity, or data analytics, Des Moines is becoming the place to be for tech careers in 2025.
Challenges Facing Tech Job Seekers in Des Moines
(Up)The tech job scene in Des Moines is getting real in 2025. Recent job market data shows a national unemployment rate of 4.2%, but Des Moines is actually doing better at 2.6%.
That's pretty sweet news for job hunters, but there's still some tough competition. The biggest challenge right now? It's definitely the AI and emerging tech skills gap.
According to recent hiring trends, there's been a massive 63% growth in demand for machine learning engineers and an 83% surge in AI engineering roles.
Another major issue is that companies are struggling with finding talent who can handle both AI and cybersecurity - there's actually a shortage of 265,000 cybersecurity professionals nationwide.
The cool thing is that more companies are now focusing on skills over degrees, which opens doors for self-taught developers and bootcamp grads. Local tech companies are adapting by offering hybrid work options and investing in training programs.
While the competition is definitely fierce, especially with remote workers applying from bigger cities, Des Moines' growing tech scene and lower cost of living make it an attractive spot for building a tech career.
If you're serious about landing a tech job here, you've got to stay on top of these trends and keep building those in-demand skills.
Conclusion: Your Path to a Tech Career in Des Moines, Iowa
(Up)Des Moines is seriously heating up as a tech hub in 2025, with some amazing opportunities opening up for tech professionals. Major companies like HNTB and Terracon are actively recruiting new graduates and interns in areas like digital infrastructure and engineering.
The city's tech scene keeps growing stronger thanks to companies like Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, which are revolutionizing healthcare technology while maintaining a strong community focus.
Getting started in tech here is totally achievable - bootcamps in Des Moines are continuously updating their programs to match what employers actually need.
Whether you're into software development, digital infrastructure, or engineering, Des Moines has something for everyone.
The best part? The cost of living here is way more reasonable than places like San Francisco or New York, so you can actually save money while building your career.
With the city's tech companies planning to expand operations, there's never been a better time to jump into Des Moines' tech scene. Just make sure to network at local tech events, keep your skills fresh with ongoing training, and stay connected with the growing tech community.
Des Moines is the real deal for anyone looking to make their mark in tech.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)Is Des Moines, Iowa becoming a tech hub?
Yes, Des Moines is emerging as a tech hub, with the tech industry contributing significantly to Iowa's economy. The city hosts major events and conferences, and the cost of living is about 20% lower than Austin, making it an attractive location for tech professionals.
What types of tech jobs are available in Des Moines in 2025?
Des Moines offers diverse tech job opportunities, including roles in software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity. The tech employment rate is growing annually at 6.8%, with around 1,179 job openings in these fields.
How does Iowa support tech growth?
Iowa supports tech growth through initiatives like Future Ready Iowa, aiming for 70% of workers to have post-secondary education. The state offers tech-friendly tax incentives and boasts industrial electricity rates below the national average, attracting major tech companies.
What are the benefits of working in tech in Des Moines compared to coastal cities?
Working in tech in Des Moines offers benefits such as a lower cost of living compared to coastal cities like San Francisco and New York. The city's growing tech community provides ample opportunities without the high competition typically seen in major tech hubs.
What challenges do tech job seekers face in Des Moines?
Tech job seekers in Des Moines face challenges like a skills gap in AI and emerging tech fields, and a national shortage of cybersecurity professionals. Companies are addressing these by focusing on skills over degrees and offering training programs.
You may be interested in the following topics as well:
Find out what it takes to become a Cloud Engineer and why this role is in high demand.
See how Central College innovative curriculum is making a big impact despite its small size.
Tapping into Des Moines tech groups on LinkedIn can significantly enhance your online networking efforts.
Uncover rewarding Application Architect opportunities that guarantee a high salary and exciting challenges.
Understand the crucial role of NLP in modern technology and how Des Moines employers are hunting for these skills.
Dive into Code Labs Academy's financing plans tailored for students needing financial flexibility in their bootcamp journey.
Get ahead with these networking tips for cybersecurity professionals looking to make connections in Des Moines.
Explore the demand for network security engineers in Des Moines and what it takes to succeed.
Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.