Des Moines vs Ottumwa: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Des Moines, IA and Ottumwa, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Ottumwa, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,859▲ | $45,102 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.97▲ | $21.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,406▲ | $31,255 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,024▲ | $35,862 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,819▲ | $57,730 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,281▲ | $69,907 |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ottumwa.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Ottumwa is $4,757 (10.55%). Des Moines's median is -7.02% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $45,875,Ottumwa spans $38,652. 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 ($55,154 effective) pays 10.55% more than Ottumwa ($49,892 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 ($49,859/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,281)
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,154)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Ottumwa if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Des Moines grew 4.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.9% growth in Ottumwa over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$47,030 (2019) → $49,122 (2025)
Ottumwa, IA
$48,783 (2024) → $44,435 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Ottumwa, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Des Moines or Ottumwa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Ottumwa?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Ottumwa 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