Des Moines vs Iowa City: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Des Moines, IA and Iowa City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $250,029▲ | $224,094 |
| Hourly Rate | $120.20▲ | $107.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $237,500▲ | $140,152 |
| 25th Percentile | $237,500▲ | $189,647 |
| 75th Percentile | $295,728▲ | $276,469 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $337,724▲ | $316,029 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Iowa City.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Iowa City is $25,935 (11.57%). 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 Des Moines spans $100,224,Iowa City spans $175,877. Iowa City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($272,657 effective) pays 9.99% more than Iowa City ($247,892 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Des Moines grew 25.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.5% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$190,210 (2019) → $237,670 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$194,479 (2024) → $213,017 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Des Moines or Iowa City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Iowa City?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Iowa City as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Des Moines vs Iowa City?
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