Iowa City vs West Des Moines: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Iowa City, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Iowa City, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $224,094 | $246,798▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $107.74 | $118.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $140,152 | $167,619▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $189,647 | $212,652▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $276,469 | $308,649▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $316,029 | $353,734▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 16▲ |
Verdict
West Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Iowa City.
The salary gap between Iowa City and West Des Moines is $22,704 (10.13%). West Des Moines's median is -0.84% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Iowa City spans $175,877,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 10.13% 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 Iowa City if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($246,798/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($353,734)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓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 Iowa City grew 9.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.9% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Iowa City, IA
$194,479 (2024) → $213,017 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$190,814 (2024) → $234,599 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Iowa City, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Iowa City or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Iowa City and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Iowa City to West Des Moines as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Iowa City vs West 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