Iowa City vs West Des Moines: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant 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 | $139,244▲ | $136,487 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.94▲ | $65.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $118,291▲ | $102,959 |
| 25th Percentile | $139,244▲ | $119,552 |
| 75th Percentile | $169,879▲ | $165,597 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,859 | $190,900▲ |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Des Moines.
The salary gap between Iowa City and West Des Moines is $2,757 (2.02%). Iowa City's median is -0.82% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Iowa City spans $61,568,West Des Moines spans $87,941. West Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Iowa City ($152,164 effective) pays 0.78% more than West Des Moines ($150,981 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 ($139,244/year)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,164)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($190,900)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Iowa City grew 15.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.7% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Iowa City, IA
$116,240 (2019) → $134,770 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$104,241 (2024) → $132,101 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Iowa City, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants 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 physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Iowa City vs West 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