Ames vs Des Moines: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Ames, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,112 | $68,893▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.53 | $33.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,976 | $43,784▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,143 | $53,734▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,584 | $89,241▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,444 | $100,428▲ |
| Total Employed | 100 | 1,240▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ames.
The salary gap between Ames and Des Moines is $15,781 (29.71%). Des Moines's median is -14.31% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $49,468,Des Moines spans $56,644. Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($75,128 effective) pays 25.65% more than Ames ($59,791 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,893/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,428)
- ✓Larger job market (1,240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,128)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Ames grew -18.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -33.6% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Ames, IA
$62,690 (2021) → $50,835 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$99,340 (2021) → $65,939 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Ames or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Ames to Des Moines as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Ames vs Des Moines?
Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov