Ames vs Des Moines: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Ames, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,677▲ | $44,942 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.41▲ | $21.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,466▲ | $37,270 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,614▲ | $39,132 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,979 | $61,280▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,249 | $77,026▲ |
| Total Employed | 30 | 280▲ |
Verdict
Ames and Des Moines are closely matched on overall emergency medical technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Ames and Des Moines is $3,735 (8.31%). Ames's median is +3.44% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $24,783,Des Moines spans $39,756. Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced emergency medical technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ames ($54,798 effective) pays 11.81% more than Des Moines ($49,009 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,677/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,798)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,026)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Ames grew 37.2% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 41.6% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Ames, IA
$33,520 (2022) → $46,000 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$30,000 (2021) → $42,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Ames or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Ames to Des Moines as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Ames vs Des Moines?
Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.82% 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, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov