What is the average Writer salary for Des Moines, IA?
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As of April 01, 2026, the average Writer salary in Des Moines, IA is $107,834. The chart below represents localized salaries for some of our most popular Writer job titles in Des Moines, IA. Salaries can vary greatly depending on numerous factors, including position, location, years of experience, and level of education. Salary.com’s team of Certified Compensation Professionals analyzed survey data collected from thousands of HR departments at companies of all sizes and industries to compile a range of salaries for various Writer job titles in Des Moines, IA. Apply your personal criteria to one of the job titles below to get your personalized salary estimate.
Writer Salaries in Des Moines, IA
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Technical Writer II | $79,609 | $38.27 | Des Moines, IA | April 01, 2026 |
| Technical Writer III | $99,855 | $48.01 | Des Moines, IA | April 01, 2026 |
| Technical Writer IV | $120,339 | $57.86 | Des Moines, IA | April 01, 2026 |
| Technical Writer I | $65,832 | $31.65 | Des Moines, IA | April 01, 2026 |
| Medical Writer III | $124,354 | $59.79 | Des Moines, IA | April 01, 2026 |
| Digital Content Writer III | $100,795 | $48.46 | Des Moines, IA | April 01, 2026 |
| Database Report Writer II | $81,914 | $39.38 | Des Moines, IA | April 01, 2026 |
| Speech Writer | $133,500 | $64.18 | Des Moines, IA | April 01, 2026 |
| Grant Writer | $79,636 | $38.29 | Des Moines, IA | April 01, 2026 |
| Specifications Writer | $67,003 | $32.21 | Des Moines, IA | April 01, 2026 |
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Creates and publishes technical documentations and manuals. Collects and interprets technical data or information and coordinates layout for publication. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. Technical Writer II Salaries in Des Moines, IAAlternate Job Titles:Intermediate Technical Writer, Technical Product Documentation Writer II, Technical Writer II
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Creates and publishes technical documentations and manuals. Collects and interprets technical data or information and coordinates layout for publication. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience. Technical Writer III Salaries in Des Moines, IAAlternate Job Titles:Senior Technical Writer, Technical Product Documentation Writer III, Technical Writer III
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Creates and publishes technical documentations and manuals. Collects and interprets technical data or information and coordinates layout for publication. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience. Technical Writer IV Salaries in Des Moines, IAAlternate Job Titles:Technical Product Documentation Writer IV, Technical Writer - Project Lead Specialist, Technical Writer IV
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Creates and publishes technical documentations and manuals. Collects and interprets technical data or information and coordinates layout for publication. Typically requires a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Typically reports to a manager. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Technical Writer I Salaries in Des Moines, IAAlternate Job Titles:Entry Level Technical Writer, Entry Technical Writer, Junior Technical Writer, Technical Product Documentation Writer I, Technical Writer I
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Develops, writes, and edits medical content for various projects and initiatives. Conducts thorough research and gathers information from various sources to develop accurate and comprehensive medical documents, such as clinical study reports, protocols, and/or regulatory submissions. Reviews and interprets scientific and clinical data to effectively communicate complex medical information to different audiences. Ensures that all deliverables are in accordance with regulations, standards, and guidelines. Stays up to date with the latest developments in healthcare. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. Medical Writer III Salaries in Des Moines, IAAlternate Job Titles:Clinical Study Senior Medical Writer, Medical Research Writer III, Medical Writer and Editor III, Medical Writing Senior Specialist, Senior Medical Writer, Medical Writer III
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Produces written content for various online platforms, including website articles, blog posts, social media posts, email newsletters, and more. Researches, validates, and develops clear and compelling content that adheres to required branding and style guidelines. Works closely with the marketing and creative teams to brainstorm ideas, develop content strategies, and ensure consistency in tone, style, and messaging across all channels. Incorporates search engine optimization best practices in all materials produced. Ensures that all grammar, spelling, flow, tone, and style are appropriate for the writing project. Utilizes content management tools to prepare materials. Requires a bachelor's degree in english, communication, journalism. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. Digital Content Writer III Salaries in Des Moines, IAAlternate Job Titles:Online Content Writer III, Senior Digital Content Writer, Web Copywriter - Senior, Digital Content Writer III
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Assists one or more business teams in understanding and utilizing data. Uses software and scripting, typically including SQL, to generate metrics and reports and synthesize them into actionable recommendations. May be responsible for management reporting, KPIs, or data QA. Provides support to research teams or management by collecting and analyzing data and reporting results based on the needs of end users. Collaborates with various function teams such as marketing, research, and IT to achieve business results. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. Database Report Writer II Salaries in Des Moines, IAAlternate Job Titles:Data Reporting and Query Analyst II, Database Reporting Analyst II, Database Report Writer II
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Researches, drafts, writes, and edits a variety of speeches, talking points, press statements, web content, news releases, and other materials for executives. Translates the ideas, objectives, position, and management philosophy into messaging that relates to the topic, speaker, and intended audience. Ensures consistent messaging strategy and brand identity are included in every piece. Provides subject matter expertise in delivering presentations and speeches Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. Speech Writer Salaries in Des Moines, IAAlternate Job Titles:Executive Communications Senior Specialist, Senior Writer, Leadership Communications, Speech Writer
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Develops resources, researches funding sources, and writes proposals to obtain grant funding from various organizations. Writes contract proposals that reflect the goals and objectives of the organization. Outlines accurate budgets that support the proposed activities defined in the proposal. Ensures each grant-writing project complies with the funder's policies, formats, timelines, reporting, and legal requirements. May participate in the negotiation of contractual provisions with potential partners. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. Grant Writer Salaries in Des Moines, IAAlternate Job Titles:Grant Application Writer, Grants/Proposal Writer, Grantwriting Specialist, Proposal Writer, Grant WriterCategories : Printing and Publishing , Education , Government , Non-Profit and Social Services , Public Relations , Science and Research
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Writes descriptions of processes and processing operations. Works with engineers, operations personnel, manuals, and other materials to develop specifications. May require a bachelor's degree in a related area. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Specifications Writer Salaries in Des Moines, IAAlternate Job Titles:Engineering Process Specification Writer, Process Specifications Writer, Technical Specification Documentation Writer, Specifications WriterCategory : Architecture