Cedar Falls vs Des Moines: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Cedar Falls, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Falls, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,732 | $82,805▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.78 | $39.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,509 | $68,115▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,604 | $73,791▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $92,768▲ | $91,293 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,426▲ | $105,837 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 8,130▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Falls.
The salary gap between Cedar Falls and Des Moines is $73 (0.09%). 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 Cedar Falls spans $52,917,Des Moines spans $37,722. Cedar Falls 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, Cedar Falls ($91,518 effective) pays 1.35% more than Des Moines ($90,299 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Falls if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,426)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,518)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,805/year)
- ✓Larger job market (8,130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Cedar Falls grew 23.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.5% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Cedar Falls, IA
$63,586 (2024) → $78,560 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$61,170 (2019) → $78,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Falls, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Cedar Falls or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Falls and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Cedar Falls to Des Moines as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Cedar Falls vs Des Moines?
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