Cedar Rapids vs Des Moines: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist 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 | $63,099 | $65,612▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.33 | $31.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,322 | $54,429▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,901 | $64,041▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,731▲ | $66,117 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,233▲ | $77,606 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Des Moines is $2,513 (3.98%). Des Moines's median is -3.71% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $52,911,Des Moines spans $23,177. 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 ($71,550 effective) pays 2.51% more than Cedar Rapids ($69,800 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,233)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,612/year)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,550)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 51.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.5% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$39,510 (2019) → $59,866 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$43,680 (2019) → $62,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists 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 surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Cedar Rapids vs Des Moines?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov