Des Moines vs Waterloo: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Des Moines, IA and Waterloo, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $380,395▲ | $359,940 |
| Hourly Rate | $182.89▲ | $173.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $220,629▲ | $208,765 |
| 25th Percentile | $273,884▲ | $259,157 |
| 75th Percentile | $486,905▲ | $451,050 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $577,961▲ | $509,668 |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterloo.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Waterloo is $20,455 (5.68%). Des Moines's median is -7.02% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $357,332,Waterloo spans $300,903. 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, Des Moines ($420,791 effective) pays 5.68% more than Waterloo ($398,164 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 ($380,395/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($577,961)
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $420,791)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waterloo if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Des Moines grew 8.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.7% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$334,734 (2024) → $364,014 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$316,734 (2024) → $344,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has over 10 years of experience in anesthesiology. She specializes in perioperative care at a major metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.50% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov