Physician Salary in Des Moines, IA (2026)

Updated 62 days ago · 1,746 observed active listings

The salary distribution for Physicians in Des Moines, IA, reveals a significant gap between the lowest 10% of earners at $40,000 and the highest 10% at $140,000. This wide P10–P90 spread reflects a combination of factors including the varying levels of experience, specialization within the medical field, and the size of the employing organizations. With 1,746 open positions, the demand for Physicians is robust, influencing employers to offer competitive salaries to attract talent.

$89,624

Average Salary

$20,000

Low End

$140,000

High End

1,746

Open Positions

Salary Distribution

$20,000

10288

$40,000

14523

$60,000

15082

$80,000

20868

$100,000

14820

$120,000

9612

$140,000

18314

Key Insights

The broad pay range ($20,000–$140,000) indicates a high variability in job roles, with entry-level positions typically offering lower salaries while specialized roles, such as surgeons or anesthesiologists, command higher wages due to their extensive training and expertise.
The concentration of active employers like CompHealth and QuickMD showcases a competitive landscape, which drives employers to increase salary offers to attract the best candidates in a tight labor market.
The significant difference between the 25th percentile ($60,000) and the 75th percentile ($120,000) suggests that there is a demand for mid-level to senior Physicians, reflecting the need for experienced professionals who can handle more complex cases and responsibilities.
Cost of living considerations in Des Moines also play a role; while salaries may seem lower compared to metropolitan areas, they are competitive relative to local living expenses, influencing employers to adjust their salary offers accordingly.
Skills scarcity in certain medical specialties contributes to higher salaries, as Physicians with in-demand skills can negotiate better pay, further widening the income gap within the profession.

Current Physician Jobs in Des Moines

Locum | Physician Gastroenterology

CompHealth · Des Moines, Polk County

$381,622 – $381,622
Locum | Physician Gastroenterology

CompHealth · Des Moines, Polk County

$346,073 – $346,073
Telemedicine Physician

QuickMD · Des Moines, Polk County

$321,936 – $321,936
Telemedicine Physician

QuickMD · Carlisle, Warren County

$309,279 – $309,279
Telemedicine Physician

QuickMD · Clive, Polk County

$307,306 – $307,306
Telemedicine Physician

QuickMD · Windsor Heights, Polk County

$307,226 – $307,226
Locum | Physician Cardiology

CompHealth · Des Moines, Polk County

$290,507 – $290,507
Telemedicine Physician

QuickMD · Ankeny, Polk County

$260,776 – $260,776
Telemedicine Physician

QuickMD · Altoona, Polk County

$250,431 – $250,431
Telemedicine Physician

QuickMD · Norwalk, Warren County

$249,599 – $249,599

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Physician salary in Des Moines, IA?

The average Physician salary in Des Moines, IA is $89,624 per year, with a range from $20,000 to $140,000.

How many Physician jobs are available in Des Moines?

There are currently 1,746 open Physician positions in Des Moines, IA.

What factors affect Physician salaries in Des Moines?

Physician salaries in Des Moines vary based on experience level, company size, industry sector, certifications, and demand. Cost of living in Des Moines also plays a significant role in compensation levels.

Other Salaries in Des Moines

Controller $49,533 avg Teacher $46,412 avg Cashier $23,831 avg Human Resources Manager $72,043 avg Maintenance Technician $51,863 avg Benefits Administrator $80,045 avg Occupational Therapist $85,833 avg Chef $47,237 avg

Physician Salaries in Other Cities

Denver, CO $89,080 avg Philadelphia, PA $90,023 avg Lakewood, CO $90,023 avg Minneapolis, MN $89,080 avg Albany, NY $90,405 avg Jacksonville, FL $89,683 avg Jackson, MS $89,624 avg Gilbert, AZ $91,036 avg