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Delivery Driver Salary in Des Moines, IA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Des Moines's cost of living (index: 89). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Delivery Driver Salary in Des Moines β€” Key Numbers

$32,040
Median Salary
$24,920
25th Percentile
$41,830
75th Percentile
$52,510
90th Percentile
National median (Delivery Driver)$36,000
vs. National median-11.0%
Des Moines median household income$67,200
vs. City household income-52.3%

Cost of Living in Des Moines

Cost of Living Index
89(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$850/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio31.8%
Annual rent cost$10,200
Median Home Price$240,000
Home Price / Salary7.5Γ—
20% Down Payment$48,000
Years to save (20% rate)7.5 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Des Moines

2.8%
Unemployment Rate
700,000
Metro Population
20 min
Avg Commute
33.8
Median Age

Des Moines has a metro population of 700,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 2.8% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Delivery Driver Salary β€” Other Iowa Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Delivery Driver make in Des Moines, IA?

The estimated median salary for a Delivery Driver in Des Moines is $32,040 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $36,000 adjusted by Des Moines's cost of living index (89). The typical salary range runs from $24,920 (25th percentile) to $41,830 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $52,510.

Is Des Moines affordable for a Delivery Driver?

On a $32,040 annual salary, a Delivery Driver in Des Moines would spend approximately 31.8% of gross monthly income on median rent ($850/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $240,000 is 7.5Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Delivery Driver's salary compare to Des Moines's overall income?

Des Moines's median household income is $67,200. A Delivery Driver earning the city-adjusted median of $32,040 earns 52.3% less than the typical Des Moines household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Des Moines has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.