Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in Des Moines
Last Updated: July 14th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Discover the top 10 high-paying tech jobs in Des Moines with an average yearly salary of $85,000. Key roles include Software Engineer ($92,500), Data Scientist ($117,000), and Cloud Engineer ($124,298). These positions require specialized skills in coding, data analysis, and cybersecurity, with strong growth prospects driven by local demand and major companies like Principal Financial Group and Wells Fargo.
Let's talk about the booming tech industry in Des Moines and why it's where you want to be for those fat paychecks.
Major companies like Microsoft, Facebook, and Amazon are planting roots here because tech skills are in crazy high demand to drive innovation.
But what makes a tech gig so lucrative? We're talking specialized expertise in areas like coding, data analysis, and cybersecurity that companies need to succeed.
Plus, there's a shortage of qualified candidates, so they have to pay up.
The average yearly salary for tech jobs in Des Moines is a mind-blowing $85,000 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
That's nearly double the overall average! To rank the top 10 highest-paying tech roles, we looked at salaries, growth prospects, skill needs, and which companies are dishing out the big bucks.
As Bill Gates said, tech is just a tool - it's the skilled workers behind it that create real value. So let's explore these exciting and lucrative tech career paths waiting for you in Des Moines!
Table of Contents
- Methodology for Ranking Tech Jobs
- 1. Software Engineer
- 2. Data Scientist
- 3. Systems Architect
- 4. DevOps Engineer
- 5. Cloud Engineer
- 6. Information Security Analyst
- 7. Mobile Application Developer
- 8. IT Manager
- 9. UX/UI Designer
- 10. Database Administrator
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Methodology for Ranking Tech Jobs
(Up)Alright, let me break it down for you on how we ranked the top-paying tech gigs in Des Moines.
First off, we looked at the cold, hard cash – the average salaries from legit sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics, PayScale, and Glassdoor. Money talks, am I right? But it's not just about the Benjamins.
We also checked out the job growth potential and demand for these roles, 'cause nobody wants a dead-end gig.
Speaking of growth, we looked at projections from the BLS to see which tech jobs are gonna be poppin' in the next few years.
And we didn't stop there – we dug into the local scene with Iowa Workforce Development's data to gauge the demand for these roles right here in Des Moines. But it's not just about the work itself; we also considered the company vibe by checking out reviews on sites like Glassdoor and Indeed.
Work culture, perks, and employee satisfaction – all that good stuff that makes a job worth sticking around for.
By combining all these factors – the pay, growth opportunities, demand, and company rep – we aimed to give you a well-rounded picture of the hottest, highest-paying tech jobs in Des Moines.
Whether you're looking to make bank, have long-term career prospects, or find a cool place to work, this ranking has got you covered. So, if you're eyeing a sweet tech gig in this city, you know where to start your search.
1. Software Engineer
(Up)The Software Engineer gig is where it's at if you want to rake in some serious cash in Des Moines! We're talking an average yearly salary of $113,889 according to the latest data.
That's a pretty sweet deal, right? To land one of these roles, you gotta be packing some serious skills. We're talking coding wizardry in languages like JavaScript, Java, and Python.
You also need to be a pro at frameworks like React and Node.js, and know your way around databases and version control systems like Git. It's a whole package deal.
Now, the companies snatching up Software Engineers left and right in Des Moines are the real heavy hitters.
We've got tech giants like Microsoft, Principal Financial Group, and Rockwell Collins leading the charge.
But don't sleep on the smaller players and startups either, they're all hungry for talent in this field. The demand for Software Engineers in Des Moines is expected to skyrocket by a whopping 18% between now and 2024.
That's some serious growth!
If you're a Software Engineer looking to level up, you could be eyeing roles like Senior Software Engineer, Lead Software Engineer, Software Architect, or even the big kahuna, Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
These gigs not only bring in the big bucks but also come with more responsibilities and a say in the company's tech strategy. It's like being the captain of the ship, you feel me?
2. Data Scientist
(Up)Data Science is the top-paid tech job in Des Moines, and it's easy to see why.
The average salary for a Data Scientist here is around $116K per year, but the real ballers can make up to $168K! That's some serious cash. To become a Data Scientist, you gotta be skilled in programming languages like Python, R, and SQL. You also need to know your way around data mining, modeling, and machine learning algorithms.
And don't forget about data viz - communicating insights is key.
Des Moines is a hot spot for Data Scientists, with major companies like Principal Financial Group and Nationwide Insurance hiring like crazy.
The finance, insurance, and agriculture industries here are all about leveraging data to drive growth and innovation. And if you play your cards right, you could level up to positions like Lead Data Scientist, Data Architect, or even Chief Data Officer, raking in over $150K annually.
But it's not all about the money.
According to a local expert, Des Moines is a prime location for Data Scientists to make a significant impact, as companies across sectors are increasingly leveraging data-driven insights.
So if you've got the skills and ambition, Data Science in Des Moines could be your ticket to a fulfilling and lucrative career in tech.
3. Systems Architect
(Up)Real talk - the job of a Systems Architect in Des Moines is where the big bucks are at, ranking #3 on our list of high-paying tech gigs.
We're talking an average yearly salary of $113,104 in 2024, according to the latest data. That's some serious cash flow, my friends! To score this type of role, you gotta have that diverse skill set on lock.
We're talking expertise in system design, programming languages like Java and Python, knowledge of cloud computing platforms, and the ability to solve problems like a boss.
Communication and collaboration skills are also key, cuz you'll be working with teams on the daily.
Major players like Principal Financial Group and Workiva are hiring Systems Architects left and right to stay ahead of the game.
The demand for these skilled professionals is only going up, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 6% growth in employment by 2031. That's pretty insane, right? So, if you're looking to level up your career and make bank as an Architect in Des Moines, this is definitely the move.
Once you've got some solid experience under your belt as a Systems Architect, you can aim for leadership roles like Chief Technology Officer or Chief Architect.
Imagine being the one calling the shots on an organization's entire tech infrastructure - that's the dream! Or, you could specialize in hot fields like cloud architecture, big data, or cybersecurity.
The possibilities are endless, and the sky's the limit when it comes to your earning potential and career growth.
4. DevOps Engineer
(Up)You know what's poppin' in the Des Moines tech scene? The DevOps Engineer role is where it's at.
According to the latest data, these tech wizards are raking in an average of $126,120 per year in Iowa. That's some serious bread! But it gets even crazier – the top earners in this field are scoring a whopping $154,509 annually.
Talk about ballin' on a budget, am I right?
Now, let me break it down for you. To be a legit DevOps Engineer, you gotta have some mad skills.
We're talking coding prowess, cloud platform knowledge, and a solid grasp of automation tools. It's like being a tech superhero, seamlessly merging development and operations into one epic workflow.
And the best part? Companies in Des Moines can't get enough of these DevOps badasses. Principal Financial Group, Nationwide, and Workiva are just a few of the big dogs hungry for that DevOps talent.
But the grind doesn't stop there.
With experience under your belt, you could level up to roles like DevOps Architect, Cloud Architect, or even Chief Technology Officer. That's when you'll be calling the shots and leading the charge in digital transformation.
It's like being the tech kingpin, overseeing the entire technology stack and making sure everything runs smoother than a fresh pair of kicks. So, if you're looking to get a job in tech and rake in some serious cash, DevOps Engineering might just be your ticket to the big leagues.
5. Cloud Engineer
(Up)The Cloud Engineer job in Des Moines is where the real money's at, ranking #5 among the highest-paying tech gigs in town.
We're talking an average annual salary of around $124,298 by 2024, which is pretty sick if you ask me. But, to snag one of these sweet roles, you gotta have the right skills, dig?
So, what do you need to be a badass Cloud Engineer in Des Moines? Here's the deal:
- Know your stuff when it comes to cloud computing platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
- Be a coding ninja with languages like Python, Java, and Go.
- Understand cloud architecture, deployment, and automation like the back of your hand.
- Cloud security? You better have that on lockdown.
- Containerization tech like Docker and Kubernetes should be your jam.
- DevOps methodologies and tools? Yeah, you gotta be familiar with that too.
Major players like Principal Financial Group, Nationwide, and Workiva are always on the hunt for skilled Cloud Engineers in Des Moines.
Job opportunities in this field are expected to grow by a whopping 27% by 2026 in the Des Moines area.
That's insane!
Once you've got some experience under your belt as a Cloud Engineer, you can level up to roles like Cloud Architect, Cloud Consultant, or even Cloud Engineering Manager.
And you know what that means? More cash, baby! According to Elizabeth Perez, the CTO at a top fintech company here,
"The cloud is the future of computing, and Des Moines is well-positioned to be a hub for cloud talent."
So, if you're looking to make some serious bank in tech, the Cloud Engineer path might just be your ticket.
6. Information Security Analyst
(Up)Ranking at number six on our rundown of the top-paid tech jobs in Des Moines is the Information Security Analyst role.
According to the latest stats, you can expect to rake in an average of $123,100 per year in 2024 for this gig. That's some serious cash, right? Companies like Principal Financial Group, Nationwide Insurance, and Wells Fargo are actively hiring for these cybersecurity pros in Des Moines.
To land one of these sweet jobs, you gotta have the skills to pay the bills, like being a pro at assessing risks and coming up with strategies to mitigate them.
You'll also need to be a whiz at network security tools and software, know your way around security protocols like firewalls and encryption, and have the analytical chops to sniff out and shut down any security breaches.
Oh, and don't forget those communication skills – you'll be working closely with teams across the board.
The job outlook for Information Security Analysts in Des Moines is looking tight, with a projected 35% increase in job opportunities by 2024, according to the Iowa Workforce Development agency.
Companies are getting serious about protecting their data and networks from cyber threats, so they need all the cybersecurity muscle they can get. And if you really want to level up, you can climb the ladder to roles like Cybersecurity Manager or Chief Information Security Officer, where the paychecks get even fatter.
7. Mobile Application Developer
(Up)The seventh spot on our list of top-paying tech jobs in Des Moines goes to Mobile Application Developers.
With everyone glued to their phones these days, developing dope apps is where it's at! According to the latest data, the average Mobile App Dev in Des Moines can rake in a sweet $102,845 per year in 2024.
To make it in this field, you gotta have some mad skills, like being a pro at coding languages like Java, Kotlin, Swift, or React Native.
You also need to know the ins and outs of mobile app frameworks, design principles, and user experience. Plus, strong problem-solving skills and experience with agile development methods are a must.
It's a challenging gig, but the payoff is worth it.
Several big-name companies in Des Moines are on the hunt for talented Mobile App Devs, like Nationwide Insurance, Principal Financial Group, Workiva, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and LCS. If you can land a role at one of these places, you're set.
But the real perk of being a Mobile App Dev is the potential for growth.
With enough experience under your belt, you could move up to roles like Lead Mobile Developer, Mobile Architect, or even management positions overseeing entire dev teams.
The demand for Mobile App Devs in Des Moines is expected to grow by a whopping 22% between 2021 and 2024, outpacing the national average.
Talk about job security!
8. IT Manager
(Up)The IT Manager role is where it's at, ranking at #8 on our list of high-paying tech gigs in Des Moines.
The average salary for an IT Manager in 2024 is projected to be a solid $125,775 according to the latest data we've got. That's some serious cash!
But it's not just about the money, you gotta have the skills to excel in this role.
You'll need to be a pro at managing IT systems, networks, and all that tech wizardry. Plus, you better bring your A-game in project management, communication, and problem-solving.
Knowing the ins and outs of industry standards like CISSP, PMP, or ITIL is a major plus too. And don't forget, most companies will want you to have at least a Bachelor's degree in something like Computer Science or IT.
The good news is, if you can succeed as an IT Manager, the career path is promising.
You could end up as a Chief Information Officer (CIO) or Chief Technology Officer (CTO), leading the charge in the tech game.
And with the IT Manager job market in Des Moines expected to grow by 8% by 2024, there's plenty of opportunity to get your foot in the door.
Companies like Principal Financial Group, Nationwide, and John Deere are on the hunt for top-notch IT Managers in the Des Moines area.
So if you've got what it takes, it's time to level up and make those moves!
9. UX/UI Designer
(Up)We're talking about UI Designers in Des Moines, and they're raking in some serious cash at #9 on our list! The average pay for these creative tech wizards is a solid $81,000 according to the latest data from Built In.
To land one of these sweet gigs, you gotta have some serious design chops like mastering Adobe Creative Suite, typography, wireframing, and HTML/CSS. But it's not just about looking fly - you also need to deeply understand interaction design and user experience principles to create products that people actually want to use.
Top companies in DSM like Principal and Nationwide are always on the hunt for UI talent that can blend aesthetics with functionality. The tech industry in Des Moines is booming, so now's the time to get skilled up in UI design! Whether you're taking classes at Drake or leveling up with an online bootcamp, having a killer portfolio and understanding of design tools will have you living that high-income lifestyle in no time.
10. Database Administrator
(Up)The Database Administrator role is where it's at if you're looking to stack some serious cash in Des Moines.
These data gatekeepers are raking in an average of $122,667 per year, according to Built In.
That's way more than the measly $98,620 we mentioned earlier!
As a Database Admin, you'll be the one calling the shots when it comes to keeping an organization's data secure, organized, and running like a well-oiled machine.
To land this gig, you'll need to be a pro at managing databases like Oracle, SQL Server, or PostgreSQL. Coding skills in SQL, Python, and Java are a must-have too.
Salary.com breaks it down - you'll need to know your way around data modeling, database design, data warehousing, backup and recovery procedures, and have some serious analytical and problem-solving chops.
Major players in Des Moines like Principal Financial Group, Wells Fargo, and Nationwide Insurance are always on the hunt for talented Database Admins.
The job market for these roles is projected to grow by 9% between 2020 and 2030, according to the Iowa Workforce Development. That's faster than the national average, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to level up your career.
We're talking roles like Senior Database Admin, Database Architect, Data Warehouse Manager, and even Database Consultant. The future's looking bright!
Conclusion
(Up)Des Moines is straight up killing it in the tech game! If you're looking to bank some serious cash, you gotta check out these top 10 best-paid tech jobs for 2024.
We're talking big bucks for roles like Software Engineer ($92,500 on average), Data Scientist ($117,000), and even DevOps Engineer, which is killing it with an impressive $105,000 salary.
But it's not just about the money.
Des Moines' tech scene is blowing up, with a projected 16.5% growth in computer and math jobs by 2030.
That's way higher than the national average! Major players like Principal Financial Group, Wells Fargo, and John Deere are expanding their tech ops here, so you know it's the real deal.
If you want a piece of that action, you gotta stay on top of your game.
Coding bootcamps, online courses, and certifications are your ticket to leveling up those skills and landing one of those sweet, high-paying gigs. The tech world moves fast, so you gotta keep up with the latest trends and be ready to adapt.
As that business legend, Joseph Martinez, said,
"Change before you have to."
Wise words. So, start your tech career journey today and get that cash flowing!
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is the average yearly salary for tech jobs in Des Moines?
The average yearly salary for tech jobs in Des Moines is about $85,000 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What are the top-paying tech jobs in Des Moines?
Some of the top-paying tech jobs in Des Moines include Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Systems Architect, DevOps Engineer, and Cloud Engineer.
What skills are required for a Software Engineer role in Des Moines?
To become a Software Engineer in Des Moines, essential skills include coding in languages like JavaScript, Java, and Python, familiarity with frameworks such as React and Node.js, knowledge of databases and version control systems like Git.
Which companies are actively hiring tech professionals in Des Moines?
Major companies such as Principal Financial Group, Nationwide, and Workiva are actively hiring tech professionals in Des Moines.
What factors were considered in ranking the top tech jobs in Des Moines?
The ranking took into account average salaries, growth prospects, skill requirements, and local demand for these roles, as well as work culture and employee satisfaction.
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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.