Des Moines vs Mason City: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Des Moines, IA and Mason City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Mason City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,792▲ | $126,679 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.76▲ | $60.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $117,385▲ | $100,729 |
| 25th Percentile | $132,530▲ | $114,259 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,847▲ | $146,738 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,720▲ | $159,394 |
| Total Employed | 820▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mason City.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Mason City is $10,113 (7.98%). 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 Des Moines spans $55,335,Mason City spans $58,665. Mason City 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, Des Moines ($149,172 effective) pays 6.45% more than Mason City ($140,132 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 ($136,792/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,720)
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,172)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Mason City if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Des Moines grew 32.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in Mason City over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$99,770 (2019) → $132,230 (2025)
Mason City, IA
$106,984 (2024) → $122,454 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Mason City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Des Moines or Mason City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Mason City?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Mason City as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Des Moines vs Mason City?
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