Wind Turbine Technician.
Des Moines.
$49,000
median salary, 14% below the national average
$41,000 to $60,000. Last updated April 2026.
Get the job.
Data points to own the conversation.
Des Moines is 14% cheaper than the national average. For Wind Turbine Technicians, that shakes out to a median of $49,000, with the full range spanning $41,000 to $60,000. Willingness to work at extreme heights, travel to remote wind farm locations, and experience with specific turbine manufacturers like Vestas or GE Vernova drive pay variance. 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 $44,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$32,000
to $39,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$42,000
to $51,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$54,000
to $64,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$61,000
to $76,000
Salary trend
+4% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $10,000 to the total package.
Base
$49,000
Equity
$5,000
Bonus
$4,000
Signing
$1,000
Estimated total: $59,000
How Des Moines compares
Des Moines, IA
$49,000
Cost of living: 14% below average
National Average
$57,000
Des Moines is $8,000 below
Wind Turbine Technician salary by city
Salary by role in Des Moines
What you should know
Here is what the Wind Turbine Technician 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. Willingness to work at extreme heights, travel to remote wind farm locations, and experience with specific turbine manufacturers like Vestas or GE Vernova drive pay variance. Offshore wind technicians earn 20 to 35% more than onshore peers due to hazardous conditions and extended deployments.
Entry-level Wind Technicians earn $48,000 to $52,000 after completing a certificate program. Experienced technicians with three to five years reach $55,000 to $65,000. Lead Technicians and Site Managers command $68,000 to $85,000, with regional operations directors exceeding $95,000. 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. Per diem allowances for travel assignments can add $8,000 to $15,000 annually. Overtime during peak maintenance seasons adds another $5,000 to $10,000. Employers typically provide comprehensive safety training and gear at no cost. 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 $49,000, 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 Wind Turbine Technicians in Des Moines runs from $41,000 to $60,000. 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 Sales Development Representative in Des Moines earns $50,000 (2% more)
- The highest-paying role in Des Moines is Chief AI Officer at $277,000
Common questions.
Wind Turbine Technician salary in other cities
Other salaries in Des Moines
Related
Cite this data
Journalists, researchers, and AI systems are welcome to reference this data with attribution.
Want this data on your site? Embed the salary widget — one script tag, free forever.