Des Moines vs Waterloo: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist 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 | $98,287▲ | $86,575 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.25▲ | $41.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,317 | $80,562▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,111▲ | $84,214 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,168▲ | $97,342 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,805▲ | $98,528 |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 130 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterloo.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Waterloo is $11,712 (13.53%). Des Moines's median is -4.53% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $22,488,Waterloo spans $17,966. 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 ($107,182 effective) pays 7.78% more than Waterloo ($99,446 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 ($98,287/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,805)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,182)
- ✓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, dental hygienist salaries in Des Moines grew 23.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 21.4% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$75,720 (2020) → $93,660 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$67,970 (2020) → $82,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov