Solar Panel Installer.
Des Moines.
$40,000
median salary, 15% below the national average
$32,000 to $49,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Des Moines is 14% cheaper than the national average. For Solar Panel Installers, that shakes out to a median of $40,000, with the full range spanning $32,000 to $49,000. NABCEP certification, electrical licensing, and experience with commercial-scale installations drive the biggest pay differences. Know the range before you walk in.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $36,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$26,000
to $32,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$34,000
to $42,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$44,000
to $52,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$50,000
to $62,000
Salary trend
+5% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $9,000 to the total package.
Base
$40,000
Equity
$5,000
Bonus
$3,000
Signing
$1,000
Estimated total: $49,000
How Des Moines compares
Des Moines, IA
$40,000
Cost of living: 14% below average
National Average
$47,000
Des Moines is $7,000 below
Solar Panel Installer salary by city
Salary by role in Des Moines
What you should know
The Solar Panel Installer landscape in Des Moines is not what most salary sites will tell you. 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. NABCEP certification, electrical licensing, and experience with commercial-scale installations drive the biggest pay differences. Installers in states with strong solar incentives like California, Texas, and Florida earn more due to higher demand and project volume.
Entry-level Solar Installers earn $38,000 to $43,000. Experienced installers with NABCEP certification reach $46,000 to $54,000. Lead Installers and Site Supervisors command $55,000 to $68,000, while Operations Managers and business owners can earn $75,000 to $100,000. 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. Overtime pay during peak installation season can add $5,000 to $12,000 annually. Many employers offer tool allowances, safety gear, and per diem pay for travel to remote sites. Health insurance and retirement plans vary by company size. 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 $40,000, 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 Solar Panel Installers in Des Moines runs from $32,000 to $49,000. 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 Sports Coach / Athletic Trainer in Des Moines earns $41,000 (3% more)
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Common questions.
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