Dubuque vs West Des Moines: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Dubuque, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dubuque, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,051▲ | $47,370 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.58▲ | $22.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,514 | $30,651▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,773▲ | $35,327 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,785▲ | $60,634 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,029▲ | $73,424 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Dubuque, IA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Des Moines.
The salary gap between Dubuque and West Des Moines is $1,681 (3.55%). Dubuque's median is -8.52% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dubuque spans $45,515,West Des Moines spans $42,773. Dubuque 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, Dubuque ($54,260 effective) pays 3.55% more than West Des Moines ($52,400 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dubuque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,051/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,029)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,260)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Dubuque grew 55.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.9% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Dubuque, IA
$31,140 (2019) → $48,326 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$51,237 (2024) → $46,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dubuque, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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