Training and Development Specialist Salary Overview in Des Moines, IA
Careerclev's modeled 2026 benchmark places Training and Development Specialist pay in Des Moines, IA at about $86,802.0 per year. On the latest official BLS baseline for this market, the lower local range starts near $41,590.0, while the strongest-paid professionals can reach about $117,300.
Salary estimates are based on data from the Des Moines-West Des Moines, Ia metropolitan area, which includes nearby cities such as West Des Moines.
If you’re comparing Training and Development Specialist salaries in Des Moines, IA, the real story isn’t just the headline number. Local employer mix, seniority, specialization, and whether the role is remote, hybrid, or onsite can push compensation well above or below the local median.
Des Moines, IA vs. U.S. National Average
Des Moines, IA pays +32% vs u.s. for Training and Development Specialist roles. The difference is driven by local employer demand, industry mix, cost pressures, and how concentrated this role is in the underlying metro labor market.
| Market | Projected Salary | vs Des Moines, IA | Market Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA (this guide) | $86,802.0 | Baseline | Local market |
| United States | $65,850.0 | -24% vs U.S. | National baseline |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $70,910.0 | -18% vs U.S. | Comparable city |
| Ames, IA | $64,730.0 | -25% vs U.S. | Comparable city |
| Iowa City, IA | $62,810.0 | -28% vs U.S. | Comparable city |
Training and Development Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Des Moines, IA
Experience changes the local salary picture quickly because employers usually pay for independence, specialization, and broader scope, not just years on paper. In Des Moines, IA, this breakdown shows how aTraining and Development Specialist can move from early-career pay into stronger bands as the role becomes more self-directed.
| Level | Experience | Projected Salary | Projected Range | Market Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Training and Development Specialist | 0-2 years | $63,970.0 | $47,172.0 - $86,802.0 | -3% vs U.S. |
| Mid-Level Training and Development Specialist | 3-5 years | $86,802.0 | $63,970.0 - $104,768 | +32% vs U.S. |
| Senior Training and Development Specialist | 6-10 years | $104,768 | $86,802.0 - $133,044 | +59% vs U.S. |
| Lead / Principal Training and Development Specialist | 10+ years | $133,044 | $104,768 - $162,314 | +102% vs U.S. |
Best Salary Areas Near Des Moines, IA
Nearby metro areas help show how Training and Development Specialist pay changes around Des Moines, IA. Each market reflects its own employer mix, local demand, and industry concentration, making these comparisons useful for candidates weighing their location options.
Training and Development Specialist Salary by Industry in Des Moines, IA
Industry premiums in Des Moines, IA usually come from employers that place the Training and Development Specialist role close to revenue, infrastructure, compliance, product delivery, or other high-value work. National industry data gives the best available benchmark until local industry slices are available.
| Industry | Modeled Salary | Reference Range | Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $113,700 | $68,600.0 - $156,630 | Stronger salary |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $96,560.0 | $56,220.0 - $127,450 | Stronger salary |
| Information | $83,730.0 | $54,770.0 - $145,070 | Stronger salary |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $79,150.0 | $50,590.0 - $128,720 | Competitive |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $79,060.0 | $50,130.0 - $133,320 | Competitive |
| Wholesale Trade | $78,390.0 | $47,220.0 - $135,070 | Competitive |
| Construction | $77,750.0 | $44,400.0 - $124,410 | Competitive |
| Finance and Insurance | $77,230.0 | $49,460.0 - $121,790 | Competitive |
Entry-Level Training and Development Specialist Salary in Des Moines, IA
Entry-level Training and Development Specialist jobs in Des Moines, IA are modeled around the lower local wage percentiles. Candidates who can show practical projects, job-ready tools, and strong fundamentals usually have a better path into the middle of the local salary range.
For a broader starting-pay benchmark beyond this city market, see the entry-level Training and Development Specialist salary guide.
Remote vs Onsite Training and Development Specialist Pay in Des Moines, IA
Remote work can widen the employer pool for Training and Development Specialist candidates in Des Moines, IA. Onsite and hybrid roles may still pay more when employers need local availability, local clients, regulated work, or team coverage.
| Work Type | Estimated Salary | Experience | Best Fit | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remote | $85,066.0 | Market dependent | National hiring pools | High |
| Hybrid | $88,538.0 | Metro dependent | Des Moines, IA employers | Medium |
| Onsite | $86,802.0 | Location dependent | Local teams and operations | Lower |
Cost of Living vs Salary in Des Moines, IA
A salary in Des Moines, IA should be read alongside housing, commuting, tax, and everyday costs. The same annual pay can feel very different at entry, mid-level, and senior levels.
Top Employers Hiring Training and Development Specialists in Des Moines, IA
Employer mix is one of the biggest city-level salary drivers. The industries below highlight where Training and Development Specialist pay tends to be strongest in Des Moines, IA, based on the sectors that create the most hiring demand for this role.
Des Moines, IA Compared With Other U.S. Cities
This comparison is useful when one city salary number is not enough on its own. It shows whetherDes Moines, IA is genuinely a stronger-paying market for Training and Development Specialist work or whether the local benchmark sits closer to the broader national middle.
Training and Development Specialist Salary Trends in Des Moines, IA Over Time
Historical salary trend data for Training and Development Specialist in Des Moines, IA is available across multiple BLS wage years. The chart below shows how the local salary benchmark has changed over time.
* 2024–2026 values are modeled estimates extending from the last confirmed BLS benchmark. The last confirmed BLS figure ($76.5K, 2024) is extended with recent wage trend history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available, then replaced when official data is published.
Career Growth Opportunities in Des Moines, IA
Local career growth is strongest when it is read through both the city salary ladder and the broader national demand outlook. The city salary benchmark shows what this market currently pays, while the career path and BLS demand data show how that benchmark can expand with scope and responsibility.
| Metric | 2026 Outlook |
|---|---|
| Projected employment | 452.3k → 501k |
| Typical education | Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. |
| Related experience | A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. |
| Local market anchor | 1,520 jobs with a median of $86,802.0 |
Factors Affecting Training and Development Specialist Salary in Des Moines, IA
Local pay rarely moves for one reason alone. In city markets, the biggest differences usually come from employer concentration, industry mix, seniority, and whether the role is tied to business-critical work that is harder to staff.
How to Increase Your Training and Development Specialist Salary in Des Moines, IA
In city markets, salary growth often comes from better positioning as much as from patience. These moves are most useful when you already understand the local benchmark and want a clearer path beyond it.
Training and Development Specialist Salary in Des Moines, IA: FAQs
These questions usually come up after readers compare the city benchmark, the statewide picture, and the local experience ladder. They help clarify how to read the market and what matters most when you compare this city with other options.
These FAQs focus on how readers searching for "Training and Development Specialist" usually compare local pay, employer mix, and market differences in this city.
What is the average Training & Development Specialists salary?⌄
What is the entry-level Training & Development Specialists salary?⌄
How much can senior Training & Development Specialists professionals earn?⌄
Does location affect Training & Development Specialists salary?⌄
Which skills matter for Training & Development Specialists salary growth?⌄
Salary figures use BLS OEWS wage facts for 2024. City pages use the BLS metropolitan area as the salary dataset, display the largest city as the public page name, and model experience bands from local wage percentiles.