Iowa City vs West Des Moines: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Iowa City, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Iowa City, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,294▲ | $129,801 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.60▲ | $62.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,731▲ | $75,284 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,252▲ | $93,457 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,876▲ | $166,146 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $189,354▲ | $188,777 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Des Moines.
The salary gap between Iowa City and West Des Moines is $2,493 (1.92%). Iowa City's median is -12.90% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Iowa City spans $112,623,West Des Moines spans $113,493. West Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Iowa City ($146,343 effective) pays 1.92% more than West Des Moines ($143,585 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,294/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($189,354)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,343)
- ✓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, air traffic controller salaries in Iowa City grew 11.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Iowa City, IA
$115,247 (2024) → $128,979 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$113,075 (2024) → $126,549 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Iowa City, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Iowa City or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Iowa City and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Iowa City to West Des Moines as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Iowa City vs West Des Moines?
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