Cedar Rapids vs Des Moines: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,497 | $44,942▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.43 | $21.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,847 | $37,270▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,529 | $39,132▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $43,587 | $61,280▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,476 | $77,026▲ |
| Total Employed | 150 | 280▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Des Moines is $2,445 (5.75%). Des Moines's median is -4.50% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $13,629,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, Des Moines ($49,009 effective) pays 2.60% more than Cedar Rapids ($47,769 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,942/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,026)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,009)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 38.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 41.6% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$28,990 (2021) → $40,160 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$30,000 (2021) → $42,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Cedar Rapids or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Des Moines as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Cedar Rapids 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