Chief AI Officer.
Des Moines.
$277,000
median salary, 11% below the national average
$206,000 to $358,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Chief AI Officer pay in Des Moines ranges from $206,000 to $358,000 in 2026. The median is $277,000, 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 $249,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$180,000
to $222,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$235,000
to $291,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$305,000
to $360,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$346,000
to $429,000
Salary trend
+5% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $184,000 to the total package.
Base
$277,000
Equity
$100,000
Bonus
$62,000
Signing
$22,000
Estimated total: $461,000
How Des Moines compares
Des Moines, IA
$277,000
Cost of living: 14% below average
National Average
$310,000
Des Moines is $33,000 below
Chief AI Officer salary by city
Salary by role in Des Moines
What you should know
If you are interviewing for Chief AI Officer 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 metro's extremely low cost of living and strong job market make it one of the best value cities for finance professionals. Tech employment is growing as insurtech companies expand. Executive vision for enterprise AI strategy, proven ability to scale AI teams, and track record of delivering AI products that drive revenue determine top compensation. Officers who navigate regulatory landscapes, manage AI risk, and align AI investments with board level business objectives earn the most. Industry expertise in sectors with high AI impact adds premiums.
VP of AI roles start at $220,000 to $280,000. Early stage chief AI officers earn $280,000 to $350,000. Established officers at mid market companies reach $350,000 to $420,000. Chief AI officers at Fortune 500 companies can exceed $700,000 in total compensation with equity and bonuses. 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. Equity packages can represent 40 to 70% of total compensation at technology companies. Performance bonuses of 30 to 50% tied to strategic milestones are standard. Signing bonuses of $75,000 to $200,000 are common. Benefits include board advisory roles and executive development programs. And on the tax side: iowa has a flat 3.8% state income tax. Des Moines has no city income tax. The low tax rate and affordable housing create strong purchasing power. When someone quotes you $277,000, 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 must compete with remote offers from larger metros and will often match. The range for Chief AI Officers in Des Moines runs from $206,000 to $358,000. 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 Chief Data & AI Officer in Des Moines earns $259,000 (6% less)
- The highest-paying role in Des Moines is Chief Data & AI Officer at $259,000
Common questions.
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