Residential Advisor salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Residential Advisors in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $38,310 a year ($18.42 an hour), based on BLS data for 160 workers.
Pay ranges from $32,910 for the lowest-paid 10% to $63,930 for the top 10%. That is 9% lower than the national median of $42,240. Pay here is 4% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $36,850. There are 0.41 residential advisors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.75). The average (mean) salary is $41,680, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for residential advisors in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,910 | $15.82 |
| 25th percentile | $35,450 | $17.04 |
| Median | $38,310 | $18.42 |
| 75th percentile | $44,440 | $21.36 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $63,930 | $30.74 |
| Average (mean) | $41,680 | $20.04 |
Half of residential advisors 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 | $3,192.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,596.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,473.46 |
| Weekly | $736.73 |
| Hourly | $18.42 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $38,310 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Residential Advisor salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA | $48,230 | 60 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $43,990 | 70 |
| Iowa City, IA | $39,350 | 70 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $38,170 | 40 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $38,120 | 90 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $35,690 | 50 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $35,620 | 50 |
Highest-paying states for residential advisors
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $49,010 |
| Minnesota | $48,770 |
| Washington | $48,640 |
| North Dakota | $48,590 |
| New York | $48,380 |
| Massachusetts | $48,190 |
| Montana | $47,230 |
| Oregon | $47,160 |
| Maryland | $46,950 |
| California | $46,650 |
See Residential Advisor pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $29,760 | $14.31 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $38,700 | $18.61 |
| Recreation Worker | $36,150 | $17.38 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $30,700 | $14.76 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,860 | $13.39 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,950 | $14.88 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $35,640 | $17.13 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $42,040 | $20.21 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $26,870 | $12.92 |
| Skincare Specialist | $38,730 | $18.62 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $38,920 | $18.71 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $23,830 | $11.46 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $70,100 | $33.70 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $22,490 | $10.81 |
More: Personal Care and Service 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 39-9041. 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 residential advisor make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for residential advisors in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $38,310 a year, or $18.42 an hour. Pay ranges from $32,910 for the lowest-paid 10% to $63,930 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid residential advisors make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of residential advisors in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $63,930 a year. The top 25% earn $44,440 or more.
What is the starting pay for residential advisors in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $32,910 a year, and a quarter of residential advisors earn $35,450 or less.
How many residential advisors work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 160 residential advisors are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.