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Porter Salary in Des Moines, IA

Porters in Des Moines, IA, in 2026, earn approximately $15.50 per hour, which translates to about $620.00 per week, $2,686.67 per month, and $32,240.00 per year.

The demand for Porters in Des Moines is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job opportunities in this essential maintenance and custodial role.

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Find out how your salary compares to the average Porter salary.
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Location
Your Salary
Average Porter Salary in Des Moines, IA:
Your salary is the same as the Des Moines, IA salary average.
$15.50
Your Salary
$15.50
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$15.50
$31.00
Market Average
$15.50

How Much Does a Porter Make in Des Moines, IA?

The salary of a Porter in Des Moines can vary depending on experience and the specific employer, but here is a general breakdown of earnings across different levels.

Experience levelHourly payWeekly payMonthly payYearly pay
Entry-level (~25th percentile)$12.00$480.00$2,080.00$24,960.00
Mid-level (average)$15.50$620.00$2,686.67$32,240.00
Top earners (90th percentile)$20.00$800.00$3,466.67$41,600.00

Do Porters in Des Moines Earn Tips?

Porters typically do not earn tips because their work involves maintenance, cleaning, and custodial duties that generally do not include direct customer service where tipping occurs.

Porter Salary in Des Moines vs. National Average

Nationally, Porters earn an average of around $14.50 per hour and make approximately $30,160.00 per year.

Compared to the national average, Porters in Des Moines earn slightly more, with an average hourly wage of $15.50 and an annual salary of $32,240.00.

This difference can be influenced by local demand, cost of living adjustments, and employer types in Des Moines.

Highest-Paying Areas Near Des Moines for Porters

Nearby areas offer slightly higher wages for Porters:

  • Downtown Des Moines: $16.50 per hour
  • West Des Moines: $17.00 per hour

Porters working in West Des Moines might receive the highest pay due to the area's economic conditions and employer profiles.

High-Paying Cities for Porters

The table below showcases four of the best cities to work in as a Porter. You can see the average annual wage for a Porter in each of these cities.

City

Avg Salary

Avg Hourly Wage

Chicago, IL

$39,260

$18.88

Los Angeles, CA

$38,970

$18.74

Miami, FL

$33,640

$16.17

NYC, NY

$47,590

$22.88

What Influences a Porter's Salary in Des Moines?

Several key factors influence how much a Porter earns in Des Moines:

  • Experience and Skill Level: Those with more years of service or specialized maintenance skills tend to earn more.
  • Type of Establishment: Porters working in upscale hotels or corporate buildings often receive higher wages than those in smaller or less prestigious facilities.
  • Certifications and Training: Possessing certifications related to safety, custodial techniques, or equipment operation can increase earning potential.
  • Shift and Hours: Working night shifts or overtime can result in higher overall pay.
  • Geographic Location: Salary variations can occur between neighborhoods or nearby cities.

How To Become a Porter in Des Moines

Becoming a Porter in Des Moines involves several steps to improve employability and salary prospects:

  • Obtain Relevant Training: Programs like the Facilities Maintenance Program at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) provide valuable building maintenance skills beneficial for Porters.
  • Earn Building Maintenance Credentials: The Building Maintenance Certificate from Iowa Western Community College is another credential that can prepare candidates for Porter roles in various facilities.
  • Acquire Safety Certifications: Certifications such as the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification ensure compliance with safety standards.
  • Consider Custodial Technician Certification: The Certified Custodial Technician (CCT) credential validates expertise in custodial operations and can enhance career advancement.

Top Employers Hiring Porters in Des Moines

Some of the leading employers seeking Porters in Des Moines include:

  • Bob Brown Chevrolet
  • Kia of Des Moines
  • Smart Honda of Des Moines
  • Granger Motors
  • Asset Living
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Establishments That Porters in Des Moines Work At

Porters in Des Moines are employed across diverse establishments such as:

  • Automotive Dealerships and Service Centers: Larger dealerships often require Porters for maintenance and cleanliness, potentially offering stable wages.
  • Commercial Office Buildings: Porters ensure cleanliness and facility upkeep in these high-traffic environments, sometimes with union or contracted pay scales.
  • Hotels and Hospitality: Many Porters work in hotels, where elevated service expectations can lead to premium pay or tips, though tips are uncommon.
  • Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and clinics employ Porters to maintain sanitation, which can influence salary based on specialization requirements.

The type of establishment significantly affects a Porter's salary, benefits, and career growth opportunities.

Related Hospitality Jobs in Des Moines for Porters

If you're considering similar career paths related to Porters in the hospitality sector, you might explore the following positions:

Job Title

Avg Salary

Housekeeper

$34,650

Laundry Attendant

$31,407

Porter

$36,100

These include Housekeeper, Laundry Attendant, and Porter positions, which share similar responsibilities and skill sets in hospitality and maintenance roles.

Labor Laws and Taxes for Porters in Des Moines

Porters in Des Moines should understand key labor laws and tax obligations to ensure compliance and proper work conditions.