AI Governance Lead.
Des Moines.
$140,000
median salary, 11% below the national average
$106,000 to $177,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
AI Governance Lead pay in Des Moines ranges from $106,000 to $177,000 in 2026. The median is $140,000, 11% below the national average. Des Moines is a major insurance and financial services hub, home to Principal Financial, EMC Insurance, and a growing fintech community. Every dollar in that range is negotiable if you come prepared.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $126,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$91,000
to $112,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$119,000
to $147,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$154,000
to $182,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$175,000
to $217,000
Salary trend
+8% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $68,000 to the total package.
Base
$140,000
Equity
$42,000
Bonus
$18,000
Signing
$8,000
Estimated total: $208,000
How Des Moines compares
Des Moines, IA
$140,000
Cost of living: 14% below average
National Average
$158,000
Des Moines is $18,000 below
AI Governance Lead salary by city
Salary by role in Des Moines
What you should know
If you are interviewing for AI Governance Lead roles in Des Moines, here is what you are walking into. Des Moines is a major insurance and financial services hub, home to Principal Financial, EMC Insurance, and a growing fintech community. The city's extremely low cost of living and strong job market make it one of the best value cities for finance professionals. Compensation reflects the ability to design and implement AI governance frameworks across organizations. Leads who can build model risk management programs, establish AI review boards, and operationalize responsible AI principles earn premiums. Experience navigating regulatory requirements (EU AI Act, NIST AI RMF) combined with technical AI understanding drives the highest salaries.
Junior governance analysts start at $100,000 to $120,000. Mid-level leads managing governance programs reach $148,000 to $175,000. Senior leads overseeing organization-wide AI governance earn $185,000 to $225,000. Chief AI Ethics Officers or VPs of AI Governance at large companies can reach $250,000 to $340,000 in total compensation. In Des Moines, your dollars stretch further. Cost of living runs 14% below the national average, which means even a median salary buys a stronger lifestyle.
Base salary is not the full picture. Bonuses of 15% to 20% tied to governance program maturity and audit outcomes are standard. Equity at AI governance software companies adds $20,000 to $60,000 annually. Benefits include executive education programs, professional association memberships, and speaking engagement support. And on the tax side: iowa has a flat 3.8% state income tax. Des Moines has no city income tax. The low rate and affordable housing create strong purchasing power. When someone quotes you $140,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Benchmark against national insurance industry pay scales. Des Moines insurance employers compete with remote offers from larger metros. The range for AI Governance Leads in Des Moines runs from $106,000 to $177,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Machine Learning Engineer in Des Moines earns $139,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in Des Moines is Distinguished Engineer at $295,000
Common questions.
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