Des Moines vs Iowa City: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Des Moines, IA and Iowa City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,621▲ | $132,294 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.69▲ | $63.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,240▲ | $76,731 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,368▲ | $95,252 |
| 75th Percentile | $174,875▲ | $168,876 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $211,763▲ | $189,354 |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Iowa City.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Iowa City is $4,327 (3.27%). Des Moines's median is -10.05% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $132,523,Iowa City spans $112,623. 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 ($151,129 effective) pays 3.27% more than Iowa City ($146,343 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 ($136,621/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($211,763)
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,129)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Des Moines grew 11.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$119,017 (2024) → $133,198 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$115,247 (2024) → $128,979 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Des Moines or Iowa City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Iowa City?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Iowa City as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Des Moines vs Iowa City?
Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% 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 Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov