Cedar Rapids vs Des Moines: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant 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 | $49,827 | $51,591▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.96 | $24.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,617 | $46,217▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,703 | $49,342▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,409 | $59,666▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,740 | $61,874▲ |
| Total Employed | 370 | 660▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Des Moines is $1,764 (3.54%). Des Moines's median is +4.06% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $21,123,Des Moines spans $15,657. Cedar Rapids 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, Des Moines ($56,260 effective) pays 0.45% more than Cedar Rapids ($56,009 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,591/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,874)
- ✓Larger job market (660 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,260)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 4.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.8% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$46,310 (2019) → $48,310 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$44,760 (2019) → $50,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants 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 dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Cedar Rapids vs Des Moines?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% 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, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov