As of February 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Cargo Handler in Des Moines, IA is $32,538, equivalent to $16 per hour, $626 weekly, or $2,712 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Cargo Handler in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.
Annually Salaries for Cargo Handler in Des Moines, IA vary widely, spanning from $28,240 to $36,682. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($30,288) and 75th percentile ($34,707), while top earners (90th percentile) make $36,682 per year. This $4,419 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Customer Service or Inventory Control, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, Des Moines Cargo Handler often earn 2.5% lower than national averages. However, Des Moines currently ranks 423 statewide for Cargo Handler job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
