Des Moines vs Iowa City: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer 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 | $91,373▲ | $91,226 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.93▲ | $43.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,961▲ | $76,053 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,449▲ | $76,053 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,503 | $104,049▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,609 | $113,943▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Iowa City.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Iowa City is $147 (0.16%). Des Moines's median is -9.85% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $24,648,Iowa City spans $37,890. Iowa City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Iowa City ($99,691 effective) pays 0.05% more than Des Moines ($99,642 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 ($91,373/year)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,943)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,691)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Des Moines grew 13.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.9% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$76,470 (2019) → $87,080 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$66,420 (2019) → $86,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers 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 diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Des Moines vs Iowa City?
Written by Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in abdominal sonography. She works at a regional hospital. Aisha also conducts training for new sonographers.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% 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 Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT, a licensed diagnostic medical sonographer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov