Electrician salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Electricians in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $62,840 a year ($30.21 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,870 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,740 for the lowest-paid 10% to $92,650 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $63,190. Pay here is 3% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $60,860. There are 7.1 electricians per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.5× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $65,060, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for electricians in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,740 | $19.10 |
| 25th percentile | $46,850 | $22.53 |
| Median | $62,840 | $30.21 |
| 75th percentile | $80,430 | $38.67 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $92,650 | $44.55 |
| Average (mean) | $65,060 | $31.28 |
Half of electricians earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,236.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,618.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,416.92 |
| Weekly | $1,208.46 |
| Hourly | $30.21 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $62,840 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Electrician salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $76,950 | 1,450 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $73,910 | 300 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $63,420 | 360 |
| Ames, IA | $63,320 | 210 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $62,440 | 3,530 |
| Dubuque, IA | $62,110 | 210 |
| Iowa City, IA | $59,510 | 370 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $50,230 | 1,690 |
Highest-paying states for electricians
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $101,310 |
| Illinois | $99,560 |
| Hawaii | $96,460 |
| Washington | $95,220 |
| Alaska | $89,440 |
| Massachusetts | $79,420 |
| District of Columbia | $78,970 |
| New York | $78,750 |
| Minnesota | $78,160 |
| Connecticut | $77,540 |
See Electrician pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Laborer | $49,980 | $24.03 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $75,040 | $36.08 |
| Carpenter | $61,360 | $29.50 |
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | $62,610 | $30.10 |
| Painters, Construction and Maintenance | $57,410 | $27.60 |
| Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers | $59,700 | $28.70 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $66,000 | $31.73 |
| Roofer | $49,510 | $23.80 |
| Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall | $70,410 | $33.85 |
| Glazier | $62,590 | $30.09 |
| Brickmasons and Blockmasons | $75,810 | $36.45 |
| Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers | $49,670 | $23.88 |
| Taper | $67,050 | $32.24 |
| Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles | $63,200 | $30.39 |
More: Construction and Extraction Occupations · all salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 47-2111. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a electrician make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for electricians in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $62,840 a year, or $30.21 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,740 for the lowest-paid 10% to $92,650 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid electricians make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of electricians in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $92,650 a year. The top 25% earn $80,430 or more.
What is the starting pay for electricians in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,740 a year, and a quarter of electricians earn $46,850 or less.
How many electricians work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 2,870 electricians are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.