Des Moines vs Iowa City: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner 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 | $136,792▲ | $133,482 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.76▲ | $64.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $117,385 | $117,995▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $132,530 | $133,482▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $146,847▲ | $146,165 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,720▲ | $161,920 |
| Total Employed | 820▲ | 330 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Iowa City.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Iowa City is $3,310 (2.48%). Des Moines's median is -0.05% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $55,335,Iowa City spans $43,925. 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 ($149,172 effective) pays 2.27% more than Iowa City ($145,868 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 ($136,792/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,720)
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,172)
- ✓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, nurse practitioner salaries in Des Moines grew 32.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.8% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$99,770 (2019) → $132,230 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$115,370 (2019) → $129,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Des Moines or Iowa City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Iowa City?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Iowa City as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Des Moines vs Iowa City?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov