Dental Salary Data · BLS OEWS May 2025
Dentist Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines
The median dentist earns $209,300 a year in the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro, with the middle half between $175,000 and $216,210.[1]
25th percentile
$175,000
Lower end of the middle half
Median
$209,300
Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile
$216,210
Upper end of the middle half
Des Moines-West Des Moines runs about 15% higher than the Iowa median and ranks 1st of 9 Iowa metros. It is about 22% higher than the national median.
Des Moines-West Des Moines pay range vs. Iowa and the U.S.
| Percentile | Metro annual | Iowa annual | U.S. annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $137,870 | $100,920 | $86,250 |
| 25th percentile | $175,000 | $136,100 | $125,710 |
| Median | $209,300 | $181,520 | $170,950 |
| 75th percentile | $216,210 | $209,880 | $224,040 |
| 90th percentile | $259,990 | $259,990 | $319,630 |
| Mean (average) | $204,670 | $198,470 | $191,350 |
360
0.88
1.11
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Dentist salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines: FAQ
How much do dentists make in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The median dentist salary in the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area is $209,300, with the middle half earning between $175,000 and $216,210 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The full range runs from $137,870 at the 10th percentile to $259,990 at the 90th.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines higher or lower than the rest of Iowa?
Des Moines-West Des Moines runs about 15% higher than the Iowa state median for dentists. It ranks 1st of 9 Iowa metro areas by median pay. (DSO Hire calculation from BLS figures.)
How does Des Moines-West Des Moines compare nationally?
Dentist pay in Des Moines-West Des Moines is about 22% higher than the U.S. median. (DSO Hire calculation from BLS figures, not adjusted for cost of living.)
How many dentists work in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area?
BLS estimates 360 dentists were employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area in May 2025. Its location quotient is 1.11, so the role is more concentrated than the national average.
Other Iowa metros