Des Moines vs West Des Moines: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Des Moines, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $250,029▲ | $246,798 |
| Hourly Rate | $120.20▲ | $118.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $237,500▲ | $167,619 |
| 25th Percentile | $237,500▲ | $212,652 |
| 75th Percentile | $295,728 | $308,649▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $337,724 | $353,734▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and West Des Moines is $3,231 (1.31%). 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,West Des Moines spans $186,115. West Des Moines 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, West Des Moines ($273,007 effective) pays 0.13% more than Des Moines ($272,657 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)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($353,734)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $273,007)
- ✓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 22.9% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$190,210 (2019) → $237,670 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$190,814 (2024) → $234,599 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Des Moines or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to West Des Moines as a nurse anesthetist?
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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