Entry-Level Real Estate Agent Salary in Des Moines, IA: $31,406 (2026)
Quick Answer:New real estate agents entering the Des Moines, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,406 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 41-9022, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,741 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,859) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the real estate market in Des Moines, Iowa, can expect an entry-level real estate agent salary around $31,406 in 2026. While this figure may appear modest compared to the city's median salary of $49,859, it reflects a realistic starting point for those beginning their careers. Over the first three to five years, agents can anticipate gradual growth, with potential earnings reaching approximately $38,024 as they gain experience and develop their client bases. Des Moines presents a favorable market for new real estate graduates, as the cost of living is below the national average, allowing for a reasonable standard of living while building a career in this dynamic field.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Moines
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Entry-level real estate agents in Des Moines, IA typically start between $31,406 and $38,024 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,875 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,859 — 7.02% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average real estate program cost in Iowa of $1,500 represents just 4.78% of the starting real estate agent pay ($31,406/year) in Des Moines. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Cost estimates include state-mandated pre-licensing courses, exam fees, background checks, initial license, and MLS/NAR dues. Agents typically pay for business expenses themselves. Brokers require additional experience and post-licensing education.
REA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Des Moines
- 1Research the Des Moines market: entry-level real estate agent pay ranges from $31,406 to $38,024, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the real estate field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Des Moines, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Moines's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Real Estate Agent Compensation Range
The real estate agent wage spread in Des Moines is $45,875 ( 146.07%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,406, experienced hygienists can earn up to $77,281.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,790
2025 BLS Actual
$30,942
2026 Current Est.
$31,406
2019–2027 Growth
+0.3%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,790 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,250 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,880 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,060 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,942 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,406 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31,877 | Projected |
Entry-level real estate agent compensation (10th percentile) in Des Moines, IA grew -2.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,790 in 2019 to $30,942 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $31,877. New graduates entering the Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) 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 1.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your real estate Career in Des Moines
In Des Moines, key employers such as Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Coldwell Banker actively recruit new grads into their ranks. These national franchise brokerages offer fundamental training and mentorship that can help bridge the transition from licensure to productive agent roles. Typically, rookie agents start as buyer's agents on a commission split basis, benefitting from structured salary and bonus packages. To enhance starting pay in Iowa, obtaining a state real estate sales license is essential, with many agents also pursuing designations like the NAR REALTOR® designation or the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR). As the industry restructures following the 2024 NAR settlement, aspiring agents need to navigate changes in commission models and embrace the 1099 independent contractor framework. Focusing on team-based strategies over solo practices could provide a better foundation for growth during the first 1-3 years in this market; agents embracing collaboration can channel their efforts effectively and capitalize on the potential commission-split dynamics that drive significant earnings for the top performers in the field.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new real estate graduates. A 1.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Des Moines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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 1.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for real estate agents (SOC 41-9022).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov