Vendor Manager Jobs in Des Moines, IA

Des Moines, Iowa$75,900 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Vendor Manager Jobs in Des Moines

Looking for a Vendor Manager job in Des Moines? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Vendor Manager in Des Moines, IA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Des Moines has a strong job market for Vendor Managers. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Vendor Manager Salary in Des Moines

Entry Level
$50,830
Median
$75,900
Senior Level
$105,800

Vendor Manager salaries in Des Moines are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Des Moines is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Vendor RelationsContract ManagementNegotiationPerformance TrackingRisk Assessment

Vendor Manager Job Market in Des Moines

Des Moines, IA is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Vendor Manager professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Des Moines offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Insurance leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Vendor Manager roles across various sectors. The market for Vendor Manager positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Vendor Managers in Des Moines

Local consulting firmsRegional professional servicesNational companies with local presence

Major employers hiring Vendor Managers in Des Moines include Local consulting firms, Regional professional services, National companies with local presence. The strong financial services presence creates consistent demand for experienced Vendor Manager professionals, with competitive compensation packages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Vendor Managers in Des Moines

Living in Des Moines as a Vendor Manager means navigating a cost of living that's close to the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Housing costs are manageable for Vendor Manager salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

92
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Vendor Manager in Des Moines

Des Moines Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Vendor Managers in Des Moines: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Vendor Manager professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Iowa

Iowa has relatively high state income taxes. A Vendor Manager earning $75,900 might pay approximately $6,072 in state income tax. However, Iowa's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Vendor Managers

The job outlook for Vendor Managers in Des Moines is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Des Moines offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Vendor Relations, Contract Management, Negotiation, Performance Tracking.

Relocating to Des Moines

Des Moines's affordable cost of living means your Vendor Manager salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life. Iowa has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Vendor Manager salary in Des Moines, IA?

The average Vendor Manager salary in Des Moines, IA is $75,900 per year. Entry-level Vendor Managers typically start around $50,830, while experienced professionals can earn $105,800 or more. The national average for Vendor Manager roles is $82,500.

How many Vendor Manager jobs are available in Des Moines?

Des Moines has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Vendor Manager professionals. Major employers hiring Vendor Managers include Local consulting firms, Regional professional services, National companies with local presence. The Insurance and Finance sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Des Moines a good city for Vendor Managers?

Des Moines is an solid choice for Vendor Managers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's insurance industry creates strong demand for business & operations professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Vendor Managers in Des Moines?

Top skills for Vendor Managers in Des Moines include Vendor Relations, Contract Management, Negotiation, Performance Tracking, Risk Assessment. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Vendor Managers in Des Moines?

Des Moines's cost of living is near the national average (92% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Des Moines is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Vendor Managers in Des Moines?

Des Moines Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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