Des Moines vs West Des Moines: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)
Compare phlebotomist salaries between Des Moines, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,218▲ | $39,699 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.34▲ | $19.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,787▲ | $32,317 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,905▲ | $33,038 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,365▲ | $43,203 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,776 | $51,525▲ |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and West Des Moines is $519 (1.31%). Des Moines's median is -14.90% compared to the US national median of $47,261.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $9,989,West Des Moines spans $19,208. West Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced phlebotomists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, West Des Moines ($43,915 effective) pays 0.13% more than Des Moines ($43,858 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 ($40,218/year)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,525)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,915)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Des Moines grew 32.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.5% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$28,980 (2019) → $38,490 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$35,336 (2024) → $37,993 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays phlebotomists more: Des Moines or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to West Des Moines as a phlebotomist?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MLT
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory technology. She specializes in blood collection and processing. She works in a large urban hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.49% 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 Aisha Patel, MLT, a licensed phlebotomist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov