Des Moines vs Fort Dodge: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Des Moines, IA and Fort Dodge, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Fort Dodge, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,942▲ | $40,885 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.61▲ | $19.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,270▲ | $33,601 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,132▲ | $35,873 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,280▲ | $45,250 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,026▲ | $53,138 |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Dodge.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Fort Dodge is $4,057 (9.92%). 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 Des Moines spans $39,756,Fort Dodge spans $19,537. 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 ($49,009 effective) pays 8.36% more than Fort Dodge ($45,227 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 ($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
Choose Fort Dodge if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Des Moines grew 41.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Fort Dodge over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$30,000 (2021) → $42,470 (2025)
Fort Dodge, IA
$29,873 (2024) → $38,636 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Fort Dodge, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Des Moines or Fort Dodge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Fort Dodge?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Fort Dodge as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Des Moines vs Fort Dodge?
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