Iowa City vs West Des Moines: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Iowa City, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Iowa City, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $425,555▲ | $361,404 |
| Hourly Rate | $204.59▲ | $173.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,721 | $209,614▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,721 | $260,211▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $425,555 | $455,175▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $450,917 | $513,707▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Des Moines.
The salary gap between Iowa City and West Des Moines is $64,151 (17.75%). Iowa City's median is +4.02% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Iowa City spans $365,196,West Des Moines spans $304,093. Iowa City 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, Iowa City ($465,042 effective) pays 16.32% more than West Des Moines ($399,783 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($425,555/year)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $465,042)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($513,707)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Iowa City grew 25.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.7% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Iowa City, IA
$324,132 (2024) → $407,230 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$318,023 (2024) → $345,841 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Iowa City, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Iowa City or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Iowa City and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Iowa City to West Des Moines as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Iowa City vs West Des Moines?
Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has over 10 years of experience in anesthesiology. She specializes in perioperative care at a major metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.50% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov