Cedar Rapids vs West Des Moines: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $26,918 | $47,370▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $12.94 | $22.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $22,604 | $30,651▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $22,604 | $35,327▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,161 | $60,634▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,206▲ | $73,424 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 16 |
Verdict
West Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines is $20,452 (75.98%). West Des Moines's median is -11.66% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $53,602,West Des Moines spans $42,773. Cedar Rapids 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, West Des Moines ($52,400 effective) pays 73.18% more than Cedar Rapids ($30,258 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,206)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,370/year)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,400)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Cedar Rapids grew -37.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.9% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$42,100 (2019) → $26,520 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$51,237 (2024) → $46,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Cedar Rapids or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to West Des Moines as a real estate agent?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov