Cedar Rapids vs West Des Moines: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,472 | $68,003▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.96 | $32.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,364▲ | $39,595 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,527▲ | $48,962 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,669▲ | $87,043 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,429 | $105,405▲ |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 16 |
Verdict
West Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines is $1,531 (2.30%). West Des Moines's median is -15.41% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $57,065,West Des Moines spans $65,810. West 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, West Des Moines ($75,225 effective) pays 0.68% more than Cedar Rapids ($74,719 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,003/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,405)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,225)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Cedar Rapids grew -13.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -19.9% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$73,270 (2021) → $63,622 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$81,273 (2024) → $65,087 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Cedar Rapids or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to West Des Moines as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Cedar Rapids vs West 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