Internal Auditor.

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 comparing offers across states, your take home pay matters more than the number on the offer letter. A lower salary in a no income tax state can net more than a higher one elsewhere.

Many Des Moines employers are shifting toward skills based hiring for Internal Auditor positions. While a degree can accelerate your path to the median salary of $76,000, demonstrated experience, certifications, and a strong portfolio carry significant weight. Candidates without degrees may start closer to $59,000 but can reach the 75th percentile with three to five years of proven results.

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. For Internal Auditors specifically, the median salary of $76,000 reflects that demand.

Des Moines's economy is driven by Insurance, Financial Services, Agriculture, and Government. Internal Auditors are hired across these sectors, though compensation can vary 15 to 25% between industries. Company size and funding stage also influence total packages significantly.

Remote work has compressed geographic salary premiums for Internal Auditors. Some Des Moines employers offer location adjusted pay, while others maintain local rates to attract in office talent. In Des Moines's moderate cost market, remote and local salaries are converging. The $59,000 to $99,000 range reflects both arrangements.

Internal Auditor compensation is driven by CPA or similar certification, industry specialization, and firm tier (Big Four vs mid-tier vs in-house). Base salary carries most of the total compensation, with bonuses adding roughly 10% in a typical year. Within finance and business operations, licensure (CFA, CPA, FP&A) and industry (tech, banking, consulting) shift the compensation band by 20–40%. In Des Moines, these factors can push compensation from the 25th percentile of $59,000 to the 75th percentile of $99,000 or beyond.

Total compensation for Internal Auditors runs roughly $99K at median when factoring base + typical bonus (~10% of base). Base salary carries most of the compensation; benefits (healthcare, 401(k) match, PTO) add an estimated 15–25% in imputed value on top. In corporate finance and banking, bonus is a major component and can double the base in top-performing years (investment banking) or add 20–40% (corporate finance). In Des Moines's market, the base range of $59,000 to $99,000 is just the starting point for negotiation.