Des Moines vs Iowa City: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician 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 | $45,025 | $56,497▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.65 | $27.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,363 | $38,446▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,140 | $48,386▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $58,614 | $64,238▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $69,113 | $79,468▲ |
| Total Employed | 500▲ | 130 |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Iowa City is $11,472 (25.48%). Iowa City's median is +24.66% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $33,750,Iowa City spans $41,022. Iowa City 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, Iowa City ($61,739 effective) pays 25.74% more than Des Moines ($49,100 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,497/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,468)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,739)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Des Moines grew -6.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -6.1% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$46,910 (2021) → $43,965 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$58,740 (2021) → $55,167 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians 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 dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Des Moines vs Iowa City?
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