Marshalltown vs West Des Moines: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Marshalltown, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Marshalltown, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,168 | $47,370▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.20 | $22.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,401 | $30,651▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,666 | $35,327▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,095 | $60,634▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,561 | $73,424▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 16▲ |
Verdict
West Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marshalltown.
The salary gap between Marshalltown and West Des Moines is $1,202 (2.60%). 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 Marshalltown spans $41,160,West Des Moines spans $42,773. West Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced real estate agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, West Des Moines ($52,400 effective) pays 2.60% more than Marshalltown ($51,071 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Marshalltown if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,370/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,424)
- ✓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 Marshalltown grew -8.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -8.9% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Marshalltown, IA
$49,937 (2024) → $45,486 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$51,237 (2024) → $46,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Marshalltown, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Marshalltown or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Marshalltown and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Marshalltown to West Des Moines as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Marshalltown vs West Des Moines?
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