Coralville vs Des Moines: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Coralville, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Coralville, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,357 | $65,612▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.02 | $31.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,514 | $54,429▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,387 | $64,041▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,796▲ | $66,117 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,792▲ | $77,606 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Coralville.
The salary gap between Coralville and Des Moines is $5,255 (8.71%). 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 Coralville spans $43,278,Des Moines spans $23,177. Coralville 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 7.16% more than Coralville ($66,767 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Coralville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,792)
- ✓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 Coralville grew 18.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.5% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Coralville, IA
$48,152 (2024) → $57,265 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$43,680 (2019) → $62,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Coralville, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Coralville or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Coralville and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Coralville to Des Moines as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Coralville 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