Des Moines vs West Des Moines: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Des Moines, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,025▲ | $44,443 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.65▲ | $21.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,363▲ | $34,762 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,140 | $38,495▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $58,614▲ | $56,887 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $69,113▲ | $68,886 |
| Total Employed | 500▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and West Des Moines is $582 (1.31%). 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,West Des Moines spans $34,124. West 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, West Des Moines ($49,163 effective) pays 0.13% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,025/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($69,113)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,163)
- ✓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 17.0% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$46,910 (2021) → $43,965 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$37,103 (2024) → $43,397 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Des Moines or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to West Des Moines as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Des Moines vs West 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