Morticians in Des Moines, Iowa earn an estimated average of $45,247 per year — -19% below the national average of $55,860.
Quick Facts
- Estimated avg salary: $45,247 (-19% vs national $55860)
- National average: $55,860 (PayScale 2026)
- National BLS median: $55,010 (BLS OEWS May 2025)
- Iowa BLS median: $63,700 | Employment: 640
Source: PayScale Funeral Director Salary By Location, 2026. City estimate = national avg × city multiplier.
How Des Moines Compares
Des Moines ranks #40 out of 54 cities in our salary comparison. This is -19% below the national average, placing Des Moines in the lower tier of mortician compensation.
| Metro | Avg Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | $45,247 | -19% |
| National Average | $55,860 | — |
| Iowa (state BLS median) | $63,700 | +16% vs national |
State Context: Iowa
The BLS reports a $63,700 median salary for morticians in Iowa, with 640 employed statewide. See the full Iowa salary guide for percentile breakdowns and demand data.
Education & Schools in Iowa
Iowa has ABFSE-accredited mortuary science programs. Check the School Finder filtered by Iowa to see tuition, debt, and earnings data.
Use the School Finder to compare all 58 ABFSE-accredited programs by tuition, debt, and outcomes.
Career Tools
- Salary Calculator — look up any state or city
- Career ROI Calculator — calculate your breakeven point
- Debt Payoff Calculator — plan your student loan payoff
- Market Map — explore the US funeral industry landscape
Salary in Nearby Cities
No other cities in Iowa in our dataset.
Is Des Moines a Good City for Morticians?
Des Moines pays below average for morticians. At $45,247, it is -19% below the national average. The lower cost of living may partially offset the below-average salary — use the ROI Calculator to model your net position.
Data: PayScale 2026 (city avg), BLS OEWS May 2025 (national/state). Updated May 2026.