Des Moines vs Iowa City: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Des Moines, IA and Iowa City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,585 | $59,855▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.69 | $28.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,125▲ | $47,834 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,075▲ | $47,834 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,647▲ | $74,217 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,937▲ | $75,157 |
| Total Employed | 650▲ | 500 |
Verdict
Des Moines and Iowa City are closely matched on overall school counselor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Iowa City is $2,270 (3.94%). Iowa City's median is -6.96% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $30,812,Iowa City spans $27,323. 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, Iowa City ($65,409 effective) pays 4.16% more than Des Moines ($62,796 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,937)
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,855/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,409)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Des Moines grew -8.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.0% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$61,810 (2019) → $56,428 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$54,830 (2019) → $58,653 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Des Moines or Iowa City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Iowa City?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Iowa City as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Des Moines vs Iowa City?
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