Museum Technicians and Conservators Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
The median pay for a museum technicians and conservators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $66,460/year ($31.95/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $36K at the entry level to $84K for experienced workers. Cost of living is below average (RPP 91.7), which stretches that salary to about $72,475 in buying power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,318/month — about 30.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $66K get you in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
About museum technicians and conservators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Entry-level museum technicians and conservators (10th percentile) start around $36K. Mid-career wages sit at $66K.Top earners bring in $84K or more - a $47K spread from bottom to top.
Museum Technicians and Conservators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $74K | +57% | 520 |
| Maryland | $73K | +54% | 420 |
| Connecticut | $66K | +39% | 210 |
| New York | $65K | +36% | 1,060 |
| Alaska | $63K | +34% | 60 |
| Massachusetts | $59K | +25% | 290 |
| California | $59K | +24% | 1,790 |
| Washington | $58K | +23% | 270 |
| Rhode Island | $54K | +14% | 50 |
| New Mexico | $51K | +8% | 130 |
| Florida | $50K | +5% | 190 |
| Wyoming | $49K | +4% | 70 |
| Indiana | $49K | +4% | 190 |
| Virginia | $49K | +2% | 360 |
| Georgia | $48K | +2% | 160 |
Track museum technicians and conservators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Des Moines-West Des Moines numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do museum technicians and conservators make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median is $66,460 a year - that works out to about $31.95 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $36,320, and experienced museum technicians and conservators can clear $83,810. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $66K enough to live in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,315/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,318/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 30.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a museum technicians and conservators salary go in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
Des Moines-West Des Moines has a Regional Price Parity of 91.7 (100 is the national average). That's below average - your money stretches further here than the raw salary number suggests. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median museum technicians and conservators salary is worth about $72,475 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do museum technicians and conservators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.