Des Moines vs Johnston: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Des Moines, IA and Johnston, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Johnston, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,893▲ | $53,400 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.12▲ | $25.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,784▲ | $33,106 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,734▲ | $39,799 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,241▲ | $68,352 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,428▲ | $82,770 |
| Total Employed | 1,240▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnston.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Johnston is $15,493 (29.01%). 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,Johnston spans $49,664. 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 27.18% more than Johnston ($59,071 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 Johnston 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 -33.8% growth in Johnston over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$99,340 (2021) → $65,939 (2025)
Johnston, IA
$77,193 (2024) → $51,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Johnston, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Des Moines or Johnston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Johnston?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Johnston as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Des Moines vs Johnston?
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