Cedar Rapids vs Des Moines: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,985 | $138,273▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.42 | $66.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,409▲ | $103,310 |
| 25th Percentile | $123,602▲ | $118,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $160,849 | $164,010▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,127▲ | $195,130 |
| Total Employed | 80 | 340▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Des Moines is $4,288 (3.20%). Des Moines's median is -1.51% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $96,718,Des Moines spans $91,820. Cedar Rapids 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 ($150,787 effective) pays 0.12% more than Cedar Rapids ($150,608 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,127)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,273/year)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,787)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 22.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.8% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$106,270 (2019) → $129,680 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$102,320 (2019) → $133,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Cedar Rapids or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Des Moines as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Cedar Rapids vs Des Moines?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov