Des Moines vs Ottumwa: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Des Moines, IA and Ottumwa, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Ottumwa, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,893▲ | $53,529 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.12▲ | $25.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,784▲ | $33,404 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,734▲ | $40,054 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,241▲ | $68,518 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,428▲ | $82,971 |
| Total Employed | 1,240▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ottumwa.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Ottumwa is $15,364 (28.70%). 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,Ottumwa spans $49,567. 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 26.88% more than Ottumwa ($59,213 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 Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$99,340 (2021) → $65,939 (2025)
Ottumwa, IA
$77,381 (2024) → $51,234 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Ottumwa, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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