Des Moines vs Waukee: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Des Moines, IA and Waukee, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Waukee, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,612▲ | $60,710 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.55▲ | $29.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,429▲ | $45,122 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,041▲ | $52,133 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,117 | $71,538▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,606 | $83,421▲ |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waukee.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Waukee is $4,902 (8.07%). 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 Des Moines spans $23,177,Waukee spans $38,299. Waukee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($71,550 effective) pays 6.54% more than Waukee ($67,157 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 ($65,612/year)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,550)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waukee if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,421)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Des Moines grew 42.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.9% growth in Waukee over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$43,680 (2019) → $62,250 (2025)
Waukee, IA
$48,434 (2024) → $57,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Waukee, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Des Moines or Waukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Waukee?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Waukee as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Des Moines vs Waukee?
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