Ames vs Des Moines: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Ames, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,488 | $87,435▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.59 | $42.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,243 | $67,542▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,512 | $75,944▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,335 | $105,134▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,684 | $128,272▲ |
| Total Employed | 60 | 380▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ames.
The salary gap between Ames and Des Moines is $947 (1.09%). Des Moines's median is -14.09% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $47,441,Des Moines spans $60,730. Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ames ($97,364 effective) pays 2.11% more than Des Moines ($95,348 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,364)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,435/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,272)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Ames grew -7.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.5% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Ames, IA
$90,000 (2019) → $83,170 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$90,890 (2019) → $84,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Ames or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Ames to Des Moines as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Ames vs Des Moines?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov