Des Moines vs West Des Moines: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist 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 | $143,692▲ | $141,836 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.08▲ | $68.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $125,770▲ | $103,202 |
| 25th Percentile | $132,756▲ | $128,507 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,545▲ | $163,823 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,918 | $175,136▲ |
| Total Employed | 850▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and West Des Moines is $1,856 (1.31%). Des Moines's median is +0.14% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $42,148,West Des Moines spans $71,934. West Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, West Des Moines ($156,898 effective) pays 0.13% more than Des Moines ($156,696 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 ($143,692/year)
- ✓Larger job market (850 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,136)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,898)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Des Moines grew 18.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.3% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$119,350 (2019) → $141,110 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$114,842 (2024) → $139,287 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Des Moines or West Des Moines?
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov