Entry-level Data Scientist salary in Des Moines, IA
Based on 16 certified H-1B filings at DOL wage level I in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, FY2025–FY2026. Includes Johnston, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny, Waukee.
Also listed as: Machine Learning Scientist
Salary range
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $67,613 |
| 25th | $73,095 |
| 50th (median) | $83,105 |
| 75th | $85,664 |
| 90th | $95,850 |
Cost of living
Des Moines's median entry-level Data Scientist salary of $83,105 is worth about $90,600 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; Des Moines = 91.7).
Compared with all workers here
All Data Scientists in the Des Moines, IA area earned a median of $103,030 in May 2025 (1,240 employed). The H-1B median here is $83,105, 19% lower.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS metropolitan area estimates. BLS wages include some incentive pay; H-1B figures are base salary.
Employers filing at this level
| Employer | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Wellmark | too few | 8 |
| American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company | too few | 2 |
Employers with at least 2 filings here. Median shown at 10+ filings.
By experience level
| Wage level | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $83,105 | 16 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $89,600 | 30 |
| Senior · Level III | $115,000 | 15 |
| Expert · Level IV | $123,943 | 16 |
Median shown when a level has at least 10 filings.
Minimum H-1B salary by level
| Wage level | Prevailing wage (most common) | Median offered salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $67,226 | $83,105 | 16 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $85,218 | $89,600 | 30 |
| Senior · Level III | $103,189 | $115,000 | 15 |
| Expert · Level IV | $121,181 | $123,943 | 16 |
The prevailing wage is the minimum an employer must pay for this job and area. Amounts vary by county within a metro and by wage source.