Regulatory Affairs Specialist.
Des Moines.
$82,000
median salary, 14% below the national average
$62,000 to $110,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
The median Regulatory Affairs Specialist salary in Des Moines is $82,000, 14% below the national average. Entry level starts near $62,000. Experienced professionals push past $110,000. Des Moines is a major insurance and financial services hub, home to Principal Financial, EMC Insurance, and a growing fintech community. That spread is your negotiation window.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $74,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$53,000
to $66,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$70,000
to $86,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$90,000
to $107,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$103,000
to $127,000
Salary trend
+5% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $19,000 to the total package.
Base
$82,000
Equity
$10,000
Bonus
$7,000
Signing
$2,000
Estimated total: $101,000
How Des Moines compares
Des Moines, IA
$82,000
Cost of living: 14% below average
National Average
$95,000
Des Moines is $13,000 below
Regulatory Affairs Specialist salary by city
Salary by role in Des Moines
What you should know
If you are interviewing for Regulatory Affairs Specialist 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. Industry is the dominant factor, with pharma and medical device regulatory specialists earning 15 to 25% more than those in food, cosmetics, or consumer products. FDA submission experience, RAC certification, and familiarity with international regulatory pathways like EU MDR or Health Canada drive salary premiums.
Associate regulatory affairs specialists start at $60,000 to $75,000. Mid-level specialists earn $85,000 to $110,000 after four to six years. Directors of regulatory affairs reach $130,000 to $170,000, with VP roles at pharma companies exceeding $200,000. 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. Annual bonuses of 8 to 15% are standard, often tied to successful product approvals and submission timelines. Pharma companies add stock options and comprehensive benefits including tuition reimbursement for advanced regulatory certifications. 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 $82,000, 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 Regulatory Affairs Specialists in Des Moines runs from $62,000 to $110,000. 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 Marketing Manager in Des Moines earns $83,000 (1% more)
- The highest-paying role in Des Moines is Chief AI Officer at $277,000
Common questions.
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