Top 10 Best Paid Tech Job in Des Moines in 2025

Des Moines is seriously crushing it in tech for 2025! According to recent salary forecasts, 97% of companies are planning wage increases, with most offering 3-4% bumps.

The city's tech scene is expanding fast, with an 8.9% increase in tech jobs and $1.2 billion in industry output. Major players like Principal, Dwolla, and John Deere are actively hiring, while the cost of doing business is 12% lower than the national average.

The hottest roles right now?

• Cloud Architects are making bank, with tech salaries averaging $88,750.
• Security Engineers are in super high demand thanks to AI developments.
• Data Scientists are becoming crucial across industries.

For anyone looking to break into tech, Des Moines offers actual growth potential - the unemployment rate is only 2.9%, and companies are investing heavily in new technology.

Whether you're starting fresh or switching careers, Des Moines' tech scene is ready for new talent. The best part? You don't need to deal with Silicon Valley expenses to build an awesome tech career here.

Let me break down how we ranked the best-paying tech jobs in Des Moines for 2025. According to Motion Recruitment's latest salary data, tech salaries can vary by over 30% depending on location, so we made sure to focus specifically on the Des Moines market.

We collected information from major companies, government stats, and popular job sites to get the full picture. 52% of digital leaders expect bigger tech budgets next year, which means more opportunities for higher salaries.

Our ranking system looks at four main things:

• Base salary: The regular paycheck amount.
• Extras: Includes bonuses and stock options.
• Job availability: How many jobs will be available.
• Importance: How important each role is for companies.

The latest industry research shows roles like IT Project Managers can make up to $210,000, while Software Engineers can earn up to $198,000, which definitely influenced our rankings.

We also checked out at least three different salary websites to make sure we weren't getting any weird numbers that might throw off our results.

When looking at job openings in Des Moines, we checked local job boards and talked to recruiters like Susan Jackson and Jennifer Wilson to understand what employers are actually willing to pay right now.

Since things change super fast in tech, we keep updating our data to make sure you're getting the most current information. Whether you're just starting out or already crushing it in tech, these rankings will help you figure out which jobs can get you the best salary in Des Moines.

The role of an AI Architect has become the highest-paying non-executive position in tech by 2025, with experienced professionals earning over $200,000 annually in Des Moines.

These architects are the essential bridge between data scientists, engineers, developers, and business leaders, making them invaluable to companies investing in AI. Beyond technical expertise, AI Architects need strong communication skills to explain complex concepts to different stakeholders.

According to industry projections, AI will create 97 million new jobs by 2025, with AI Architects leading the pack in terms of compensation and career growth.

Their responsibilities include designing data architectures, developing AI strategies, and ensuring model interpretability - skills that are in seriously short supply right now.

The high salaries reflect both the complexity of the role and the intense competition for talent.

Recent data shows that only 12% of IT professionals have AI experience, while 85% of organizations are adopting multi-cloud strategies that require AI expertise.

AI Architects need to master big data technologies, cloud platforms like AWS and Azure, and programming languages such as Python and R. They're also responsible for foreseeing security risks and ensuring AI systems comply with regulations - skills that are becoming more critical as AI adoption accelerates.

The role demands a unique combination of technical knowledge, business acumen, and project management abilities, making it one of the most challenging and well-compensated positions in tech right now.

The impact of AI Architects on business transformation is massive.

They're not just implementing AI systems; they're shaping how companies operate in the digital age. With organizations racing to leverage AI for competitive advantage, having the right architect can make the difference between successful AI adoption and costly failures.

This reality has pushed salaries to new heights and created incredible opportunities for those ready to step into this role.

In Des Moines, Chief Information Officers are earning an average of $165,000 in 2025, with compensation packages potentially reaching well above $200,000 when including bonuses and benefits.

CIOs are taking on massive responsibilities - from leading digital transformation initiatives to managing cybersecurity risks. By 2026, the role is evolving beyond traditional IT management to focus more on driving business innovation and revenue growth.

The most successful CIOs are those who can blend technical expertise with strong business strategy skills. What's really interesting is that modern CIOs need to master everything from financial planning to data analytics, while also staying current with emerging technologies like AI and cloud computing.

In Des Moines' growing tech scene, CIOs are particularly valued for their ability to align technology investments with business goals, manage complex digital transformations, and build high-performing teams.

The role demands constant learning and adaptation - you can't just rest on your technical knowledge anymore. Organizations are looking for CIOs who can communicate effectively with both tech teams and business stakeholders, making this position one of the most challenging but rewarding careers in tech leadership.

The cybersecurity landscape in 2025 is seriously intense, with cybercrime generating over $8 trillion in annual revenue and threatening organizations worldwide.

As a cybersecurity analyst in Des Moines, you're looking at handling some next-level challenges, especially with more than 18.8 billion connected devices online.

The stakes are high - we're talking about breaches that can cost companies millions, making skilled analysts absolutely crucial in this digital age.

The pay is definitely worth the expertise required - cybersecurity analysts in Des Moines are pulling in between $96,000 and $133,000 annually.

What's really interesting is that companies are shifting towards unified security platforms, creating even more opportunities for analysts who can handle these integrated systems.

Des Moines's tech scene is growing fast, and companies here know they need to invest in top talent.

The game-changer? AI is totally transforming how we handle security.

Recent data shows an 80% increase in AI being used for cyber attacks, from targeted phishing to identity cloning.

This means analysts need to stay ahead of both traditional threats and these new AI-powered attacks. Companies are investing heavily in security - not just because they want to, but because they have to.

Having skilled analysts who can build strong defense systems and train others is more important than ever, especially considering that human error still causes 88% of data breaches.

In Des Moines' growing tech scene, Application Architects are the tech visionaries shaping how companies build and deploy software in 2025.

These professionals combine deep technical expertise with planning and communication skills to design solutions that work for both users and businesses. The role demands more than just coding abilities - it requires someone who can guide development from start to finish while keeping the big picture in mind.

According to recent industry analysis, successful architects need experience with cloud platforms like AWS and Azure, plus skills in emerging technologies like generative AI.

The financial outlook is pretty amazing - salary ranges between $90,500 and $158,400 depending on experience and expertise.

What makes this role especially interesting is how it combines hands-on technical work with strategic thinking. Application Architects spend their days creating solution frameworks, developing roadmaps, and making sure applications meet both user needs and security standards.

They also need to stay current with the latest tech trends, regularly participating in research and development of new tools and approaches.

Looking ahead, Application Architects will play an even bigger role as companies continue to modernize their tech stacks.

They'll need to master cloud technologies, understand microservices architecture, and get comfortable with CI/CD pipelines. The best part? Des Moines is becoming a serious tech hub, offering plenty of opportunities for those ready to take on this challenging but rewarding role.

Senior Software Engineers are shaping the tech scene in Des Moines with their expertise and leadership skills. Working at major companies like Wells Fargo, these professionals lead complex initiatives while managing development teams and technical strategies.

The role demands a mix of hands-on coding skills and project management abilities, with experience requirements typically starting at 4+ years. According to Robert Half's latest data, these positions involve extensive coding, testing, and debugging responsibilities, while also requiring strong communication skills for team collaboration.

At companies like Principal Financial Services, Senior Software Engineers provide technical advice on crucial decisions and trade-offs, working independently across multiple software domains.

Their duties include designing and implementing scalable solutions, mentoring junior developers, and ensuring code quality. The compensation reflects their expertise, with annual salaries ranging between $84,000 and $149,400, depending on experience and specific roles.

These professionals are key to maintaining high project success rates through their leadership in code reviews, architecture planning, and implementation of modern development practices like DevOps and Agile methodologies.

As Des Moines continues to grow as a tech hub, Senior Software Engineers remain essential in driving innovation and maintaining technical excellence across various industries.

As cloud technology revolutionizes the tech scene, artificial intelligence has become the driving force behind cloud operations, making the role of a Cloud Solutions Architect more crucial than ever in 2025.

These professionals are the masterminds behind multicloud strategies in Des Moines, creating solutions that maximize efficiency and innovation while keeping costs in check.

Private cloud adoption is gaining serious momentum, with businesses focusing on data sovereignty and security concerns.

• The rising demand for Cloud Solutions Architects: Businesses need experts who can handle complex multicloud environments efficiently.
• Salary insights: Cloud Solutions Architects in Des Moines earn between $130,000 and $170,000 annually, depending on various factors.

Recent data shows that 65% of Des Moines businesses are actively recruiting Cloud Solutions Architects with solid multicloud strategy skills - that's a 20% jump from last year! Companies want people who know their way around AWS, Azure, and GCP, plus have experience with hybrid cloud setups.

With the increasing focus on data protection and security requirements, Cloud Solutions Architects are seriously in demand and among the highest-paid tech pros in Des Moines for 2025.

Data Architects are reshaping how companies handle their information in 2025, especially with the explosion of AI and machine learning. As key players in the AI architecture strategy, they connect data scientists, engineers, and developers to create powerful data systems.

In Des Moines, Data Architects are earning between $78,872 and $139,975 annually, with an average of $114,115 and bonus potential of $4,211, according to recent salary data.

These professionals are in-demand because they know how to make data work smarter, not harder.

What makes this role interesting is how modern data architecture enables AI capabilities while keeping everything secure and compliant.

Data Architects handle everything from setting up data models to making sure AI systems can access the info they need. Their main responsibilities include:

• Building enterprise-level data frameworks that actually work - Data Architects must create systems that are robust and scalable.
• Ensuring AI and ML systems have clean, reliable data - They provide datasets that are accurate and consistent for machine learning models.
• Keeping data safe while making it accessible to the right people - They implement security measures to protect sensitive information.

The impressive aspect about being a Data Architect in 2025 is working with massive amounts of data and turning it into something useful.

They're the ones making sure companies can handle all their data without getting overwhelmed, using cloud systems that can grow as needed. It's like being the master planner for a digital city - everything needs to flow perfectly, or the whole system falls apart.

If you want to be at the cutting edge of tech and make really good money doing it, becoming a Data Architect is definitely worth considering.

The QA Manager role in 2025 is seriously shaking up the tech scene, becoming one of the most essential positions in software development. AI and machine learning are transforming QA processes, enabling managers to catch potential defects before they even happen.

The role now commands impressive salaries in Des Moines, ranging from $110,000 to $145,000 annually, with an 8% increase from previous years. These professionals are masters at coordinating quality standards across teams while implementing cutting-edge testing strategies.

Modern QA tech stacks include powerful tools like Cypress for test automation and Qase for comprehensive test management, making the whole process more efficient.

QA Managers need to stay ahead of the curve with emerging technologies, especially since they're responsible for preventing costly errors and ensuring top-notch user experiences.

What's really interesting is how energy-efficient testing and sustainable QA solutions are becoming major priorities, showing how the role is adapting to environmental concerns.

The position combines technical expertise with strategic thinking, requiring skills in automation, AI integration, and cross-functional team leadership. With Des Moines' growing tech scene, companies are offering competitive packages to attract talented QA Managers who can handle these evolving responsibilities.

The best part? This field keeps getting more exciting with new tools and methodologies coming out all the time, making it a smart career choice for anyone interested in shaping the future of software development.

The role of an Automation Engineer has become absolutely crucial in 2025, as automation is set to transform 85 million jobs globally.

Here in Des Moines, companies are racing to streamline their operations through innovative tech solutions. While some jobs might be automated, Automation Engineers are actually creating more opportunities - the data shows that 97 million new jobs are expected to emerge in AI and product development.

The average salary for Automation Engineers in Des Moines has hit $105,000 annually, with experienced professionals earning up to $130,000.

The career path is seriously promising - Automation Engineers aren't just writing code, they're revolutionizing how businesses operate.

Companies are investing heavily in upskilling programs, with tech giants like Amazon putting $1.2 billion into training their workforce in robotics and machine learning.

Here in Des Moines, we're seeing more companies investing in automation technologies, especially in manufacturing and tech sectors. The best part? You can get started with technical training in as little as eight hours and keep building your skills from there.

For someone looking to break into tech, Automation Engineering is honestly one of the smartest career moves right now.

The field offers amazing growth potential - about 40% of engineers move up to senior positions within five years. Plus, with companies struggling to fill these positions, there's tons of room for quick advancement.

The key skills that'll make you stand out include programming, system design, and understanding of AI and machine learning - all of which are in super high demand right now in Des Moines's growing tech scene.

Des Moines' tech scene is hitting new heights in 2025, with some seriously impressive salary trends. According to Palmer Group's 2025 Salary Guide, 97% of Iowa companies are planning wage increases, with most offering 3-4% bumps.

The tech sector is particularly hot, with the city projecting an 8.9% increase in tech jobs. Cloud Architects and Security Engineers are leading the pack in demand, while Chief Financial Officers can earn up to $689,400 with high experience.

The average tech salary sits at $88,750, but specialists in AI and cybersecurity are pulling in much more. Data Scientists are especially crushing it, with competitive salaries reflecting their critical role in tech innovation.

Major players like Principal, Dwolla, and John Deere are actively recruiting, making Des Moines a legit tech destination. The city's making moves in fintech, healthcare tech, and IT services, with a super low unemployment rate of 2.9%.

For anyone looking to break into tech, the focus should be on mobile app development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing skills - these are absolute gold for landing the best-paying positions.

The market's looking pretty solid heading into 2025, even though it might not be as wild as previous years. What's really cool is that Des Moines is now ranked in the top 20 tech cities by CompTIA, proving it's not just the coastal cities that are making waves in tech.