Des Moines vs Marshalltown: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Des Moines, IA and Marshalltown, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Marshalltown, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,805▲ | $77,386 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.81▲ | $37.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,115▲ | $57,551 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,791▲ | $63,259 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,293▲ | $87,798 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,837▲ | $104,876 |
| Total Employed | 8,130▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marshalltown.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Marshalltown is $5,419 (7.00%). Des Moines's median is -19.40% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $37,722,Marshalltown spans $47,325. Marshalltown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($90,299 effective) pays 5.48% more than Marshalltown ($85,604 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 ($82,805/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,837)
- ✓Larger job market (8,130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,299)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Marshalltown if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Des Moines grew 28.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Marshalltown over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$61,170 (2019) → $78,630 (2025)
Marshalltown, IA
$61,130 (2024) → $73,484 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Marshalltown, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Des Moines or Marshalltown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Marshalltown?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov