Des Moines vs West Des Moines: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Des Moines, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,942▲ | $44,361 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.61▲ | $21.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,270▲ | $35,066 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,132▲ | $37,328 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,280▲ | $50,265 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,026▲ | $62,272 |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and West Des Moines is $581 (1.31%). Des Moines's median is -4.50% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $39,756,West Des Moines spans $27,206. Des Moines has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, West Des Moines ($49,072 effective) pays 0.13% more than Des Moines ($49,009 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 ($44,942/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,026)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,072)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Des Moines grew 41.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 31.8% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$30,000 (2021) → $42,470 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$31,802 (2024) → $41,921 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Des Moines or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to West Des Moines as a emergency medical technician?
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Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.82% 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 Patel, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov