Ames vs Des Moines: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Ames, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,265 | $57,585▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.17 | $27.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,265▲ | $48,125 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,265▲ | $50,075 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,926 | $74,647▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,517 | $78,937▲ |
| Total Employed | 400 | 650▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ames.
The salary gap between Ames and Des Moines is $7,320 (14.56%). Des Moines's median is -10.49% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $23,252,Des Moines spans $30,812. Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced school counselors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($62,796 effective) pays 10.98% more than Ames ($56,586 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,585/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,937)
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,796)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Ames grew 0.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.7% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Ames, IA
$48,930 (2019) → $49,255 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$61,810 (2019) → $56,428 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Ames or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Ames to Des Moines as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Ames vs Des Moines?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% 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, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov