Des Moines vs Iowa City: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist 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 | $98,287▲ | $96,566 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.25▲ | $46.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,317 | $83,364▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,111▲ | $86,177 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,168 | $100,669▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,805 | $103,334▲ |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Iowa City.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Iowa City is $1,721 (1.78%). Des Moines's median is -4.53% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $22,488,Iowa City spans $19,970. 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 ($107,182 effective) pays 1.57% more than Iowa City ($105,526 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 ($98,287/year)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,182)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,334)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Des Moines grew 23.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 24.0% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$75,720 (2020) → $93,660 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$74,190 (2020) → $92,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists 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 dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Des Moines vs Iowa City?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov