CTO, AI Startup.
Des Moines.
$192,000
median salary, 17% below the national average
$150,000 to $250,000. Last updated April 2026.
Get the job.
Data points to own the conversation.
If you are evaluating a CTO, AI Startup offer in Des Moines, IA, here is the reality: $150,000 to $250,000, with $192,000 as the midpoint. 17% below the national average. Base salary is influenced by funding stage, company size, and the CTO's equity stake. Do not accept the first number.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $173,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$125,000
to $154,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$163,000
to $202,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$211,000
to $250,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$240,000
to $298,000
Salary trend
+3% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $54,000 to the total package.
Base
$192,000
Equity
$31,000
Bonus
$19,000
Signing
$4,000
Estimated total: $246,000
How Des Moines compares
Des Moines, IA
$192,000
Cost of living: 14% below average
National Average
$230,000
Des Moines is $38,000 below
CTO, AI Startup salary by city
Salary by role in Des Moines
What you should know
Here is what the CTO, AI Startup market actually looks like in Des Moines. 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. Base salary is influenced by funding stage, company size, and the CTO's equity stake. Early-stage CTOs may accept lower base salary in exchange for larger equity. Series B+ CTOs with proven track records command both high base salaries and meaningful equity. Technical depth in AI architecture and ability to recruit top talent are the primary differentiators.
Pre-seed and seed CTOs earn $120,000 to $180,000 base with significant equity. Series A CTOs earn $180,000 to $230,000. Series B+ CTOs reach $230,000 to $320,000 base. Successful exits can generate life-changing wealth through equity. Some transition to CEO roles or become serial technical cofounders. 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 is the most significant component, often representing 1% to 5% of the company at founding, decreasing with later-stage hiring. At funded startups, this can be worth $500,000 to several million dollars annually on paper. Base salary increases substantially after Series B as the company can afford market rates. 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 $192,000, 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 CTO, AI Startups in Des Moines runs from $150,000 to $250,000. 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 Director of Engineering in Des Moines earns $191,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in Des Moines is Distinguished Engineer at $295,000
Common questions.
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