Des Moines vs Waterloo: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Des Moines, IA and Waterloo, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,025▲ | $41,970 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.65▲ | $20.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,363▲ | $33,687 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,140▲ | $34,742 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,614▲ | $48,530 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $69,113 | $72,799▲ |
| Total Employed | 500▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterloo.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Waterloo is $3,055 (7.28%). 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 Des Moines spans $33,750,Waterloo spans $39,112. Waterloo 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 1.85% more than Waterloo ($48,210 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 ($45,025/year)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,100)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waterloo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,799)
- ✓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 8.7% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$46,910 (2021) → $43,965 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$37,710 (2021) → $40,982 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Des Moines or Waterloo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Waterloo?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Waterloo as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Des Moines vs Waterloo?
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