Senior Data Analyst Salary in Des Moines, WA: $130,618 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of data analysts working in Des Moines, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $130,618/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 15-2051. Strip back Des Moines's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $121,618 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, professionals in Des Moines, Washington, can anticipate a notable compensation range as experienced data analysts, with top-tier salaries reaching up to $130,618. This positions the senior data analyst pay in WA considerably higher than the national benchmark, where the top earners typically see salaries around $80,394. The substantial gap between the median salary of $84,269 and the upper echelon earnings underscores the premium placed on expertise and specialized skills within this market. To command such elevated salaries, seasoned data analysts often need to embody a blend of advanced technical proficiency, strategic insight, and specific domain-focused specializations, which set them apart from their peers.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Experienced data analysts at the top of the pay scale in Des Moines earn between $107,865 and $130,618 per year (2026 est.). This $81,742 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Des Moines median of $84,269 sits 4.82% above the US median.
Top DA Salary Comparison
| Level | Des Moines | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $84,269 | $80,394 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,865 | $106,238 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $130,618 | $133,152 |
In Des Moines, experienced data analysts (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Data Analyst Pay in Des Moines
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA data analysts with additional specialty certifications within the data analysis field earn significantly above the $84,269 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Des Moines employers.
Specialty Focus
Data Analysts focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the data analysis field in Des Moines command premium compensation, often reaching the $107,865–$130,618 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Des Moines metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced data analysts who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured data analysts in Des Moines with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Data Analysts in Washington who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Data Analyst Career & Wage Growth Path in Des Moines
Clinical Data Analyst
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Data Analyst
5-10 yearsData Analyst Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDes Moines ranks #18 of 49 Washington cities for top earner data analyst salary (90th percentile: $130,618).
Top 10% data analyst compensation in Des Moines ($130,618) is 14.08% below the Washington average P90 ($152,027).
2021 BLS Actual
$104,870
2025 BLS Actual
$125,017
2026 Current Est.
$130,618
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Des Moines (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $104,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,736 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,575 | Actual |
| 2024 | $239,151 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,017 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,618 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,469 | Projected |
Top-earning data analysts (90th percentile) in Des Moines saw their compensation grow 19.2% from $104,870 in 2021 to $125,017 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.48% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $136,469 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.48% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Data Analyst Earnings in Des Moines
Specializations within the field significantly influence lucrative pay in Des Moines, especially for senior roles. Data analysts who focus on machine learning, especially in production systems, or those with experience in natural language processing or computer vision, are likely to attract the most competitive offers. The type of employer also plays a critical role in salary differentiation; firms ranging from FAANG companies to high-growth AI startups often provide robust compensation packages, aimed at attracting top talent. Furthermore, advanced academic qualifications—such as a Master's or PhD—coupled with strong skills in Python and machine learning frameworks, can greatly enhance earning potential. Career advancement opportunities remain compelling, with pathways leading from data scientist roles to positions such as principal scientist or engineering manager. The evolving landscape emphasizes not just core competencies but also the strategic value experienced professionals bring to organizations, with many opting for leadership or cross-functional roles that promise rewarding financial returns and equity components as part of their compensation packages.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced data analysts make in Des Moines in 2026?
What drives higher data analyst pay in Des Moines?
What certifications boost data analyst salary in Des Moines?
Can experienced data analysts make six figures in Des Moines?
How much does data analyst salary increase over time in Des Moines?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $125,017 for data analysts in the Des Moines metro area. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Moines is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.48%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for data analysts (SOC 15-2051).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov