Ankeny vs Des Moines: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Ankeny, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ankeny, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $218,659 | $250,029▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $105.13 | $120.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $146,605 | $237,500▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $191,766 | $237,500▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $276,817 | $295,728▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $319,000 | $337,724▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ankeny.
The salary gap between Ankeny and Des Moines is $31,370 (14.35%). Des Moines's median is +0.46% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ankeny spans $172,395,Des Moines spans $100,224. Ankeny has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($272,657 effective) pays 12.72% more than Ankeny ($241,879 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ankeny if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($250,029/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($337,724)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $272,657)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Ankeny grew 9.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.0% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Ankeny, IA
$189,762 (2024) → $207,851 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$190,210 (2019) → $237,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ankeny, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Ankeny or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ankeny and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Ankeny to Des Moines as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Ankeny vs Des Moines?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov