Ames vs Des Moines: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist 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 | $93,533 | $98,287▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.97 | $47.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,493▲ | $78,317 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,865 | $87,111▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,612 | $99,168▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,861 | $100,805▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 750▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ames.
The salary gap between Ames and Des Moines is $4,754 (5.08%). 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 Ames spans $17,368,Des Moines spans $22,488. Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($107,182 effective) pays 1.79% more than Ames ($105,294 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
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
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Ames grew 19.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 23.7% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Ames, IA
$74,450 (2020) → $89,130 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$75,720 (2020) → $93,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists 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 dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Ames vs Des Moines?
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