Des Moines vs Iowa City: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst 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 | $68,893▲ | $48,225 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.12▲ | $23.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,784▲ | $32,224 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,734▲ | $32,224 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,241▲ | $73,935 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,428▲ | $85,670 |
| Total Employed | 1,240▲ | 170 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Iowa City.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Iowa City is $20,668 (42.86%). 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 Des Moines spans $56,644,Iowa City spans $53,446. Des Moines has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($75,128 effective) pays 42.56% more than Iowa City ($52,700 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 ($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
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Des Moines grew -33.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -40.6% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$99,340 (2021) → $65,939 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$77,650 (2022) → $46,157 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Des Moines or Iowa City?
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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