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Sales Representative 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.

Sales Representative Salary in Des Moines β€” Key Numbers

$56,275
Median Salary
$36,365
25th Percentile
$87,042
75th Percentile
$132,370
90th Percentile
National median (Sales Representative)$63,230
vs. National median-11.0%
Des Moines median household income$67,200
vs. City household income-16.3%

Cost of Living in Des Moines

Cost of Living Index
89(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$850/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio18.1%
Annual rent cost$10,200
Median Home Price$240,000
Home Price / Salary4.3Γ—
20% Down Payment$48,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.3 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.

Sales Representative Salary β€” Other Iowa Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Sales Representative make in Des Moines, IA?

The estimated median salary for a Sales Representative in Des Moines is $56,275 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $63,230 adjusted by Des Moines's cost of living index (89). The typical salary range runs from $36,365 (25th percentile) to $87,042 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $132,370.

Is Des Moines affordable for a Sales Representative?

On a $56,275 annual salary, a Sales Representative in Des Moines would spend approximately 18.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($850/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Des Moines relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $240,000 is 4.3Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Sales Representative's salary compare to Des Moines's overall income?

Des Moines's median household income is $67,200. A Sales Representative earning the city-adjusted median of $56,275 earns 16.3% 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.