Ames vs Des Moines: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Ames, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,312 | $45,025▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.83 | $21.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,516 | $35,363▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,679 | $38,140▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,855 | $58,614▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,363 | $69,113▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ames.
The salary gap between Ames and Des Moines is $1,713 (3.96%). Des Moines's median is -0.66% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $26,847,Des Moines spans $33,750. Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dialysis technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($49,100 effective) pays 0.70% more than Ames ($48,758 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,025/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($69,113)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,100)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Ames grew 4.4% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -6.3% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Ames, IA
$40,520 (2022) → $42,293 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$46,910 (2021) → $43,965 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Ames or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Ames to Des Moines as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Ames vs Des Moines?
Written by Jessica Tran, CCRN
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years as a dialysis technician. She specializes in chronic kidney disease management. She works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.41% 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 Jessica Tran, CCRN, a licensed dialysis technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov