Protein Folding Researcher.
Des Moines.
$156,000
median salary, 16% below the national average
$121,000 to $203,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
If you are evaluating a Protein Folding Researcher offer in Des Moines, IA, here is the reality: $121,000 to $203,000, with $156,000 as the midpoint. 16% below the national average. Protein Folding Researcher compensation is driven by publication record, domain specialization, and whether the work involves production model training or applied research. Do not accept the first number.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $141,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$101,000
to $125,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$133,000
to $164,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$172,000
to $203,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$195,000
to $242,000
Salary trend
+6% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $44,000 to the total package.
Base
$156,000
Equity
$25,000
Bonus
$16,000
Signing
$3,000
Estimated total: $200,000
How Des Moines compares
Des Moines, IA
$156,000
Cost of living: 14% below average
National Average
$185,000
Des Moines is $29,000 below
Protein Folding Researcher salary by city
Salary by role in Des Moines
What you should know
Here is what the Protein Folding Researcher 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 city's extremely low cost of living and strong job market make it one of the best value cities for finance professionals. Protein Folding Researcher compensation is driven by publication record, domain specialization, and whether the work involves production model training or applied research. Base salary carries most of the total compensation, with bonuses adding roughly 8% in a typical year. Within tech-sector Protein Folding Researchers specifically, employer tier (FAANG and frontier-AI labs vs mid-stage startups vs traditional enterprise) drives 67%+ variance across the compensation band.
Protein Folding Researchers progress Research Engineer → Senior → Staff → Principal → Distinguished over 8 to 15 years. Frontier-AI labs compress this ladder — a strong PhD can land at L5/Senior directly. The VP Research track diverges around year 10 for those who choose to lead labs. 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. Total compensation for Protein Folding Researchers runs roughly $200K at median when factoring base + typical bonus (~8% 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. At tech companies specifically, equity and sign-on are often the largest delta between offers — two roles with matching base can differ by $100K+ at total when equity is included. 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 $156,000, 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 Protein Folding Researchers in Des Moines runs from $121,000 to $203,000. 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 AI Platform Engineer in Des Moines earns $157,000 (1% more)
- The highest-paying role in Des Moines is Technical Fellow at $313,000
Common questions.
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