Cedar Rapids vs Des Moines: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner 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 | $134,371 | $136,792▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.60 | $65.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $116,123 | $117,385▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $128,578 | $132,530▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,037 | $146,847▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,279 | $172,720▲ |
| Total Employed | 240 | 820▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Des Moines is $2,421 (1.80%). Des Moines's median is -0.05% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $48,156,Des Moines spans $55,335. Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($151,041 effective) pays 1.25% more than Des Moines ($149,172 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 purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,041)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,792/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,720)
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 24.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.5% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$104,510 (2019) → $129,890 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$99,770 (2019) → $132,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners 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 nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Cedar Rapids vs Des Moines?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov