Des Moines vs Muscatine: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Des Moines, IA and Muscatine, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Muscatine, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,692▲ | $133,260 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.08▲ | $64.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $125,770▲ | $104,475 |
| 25th Percentile | $132,756▲ | $128,608 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,545▲ | $150,133 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,918▲ | $156,298 |
| Total Employed | 850▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Muscatine.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Muscatine is $10,432 (7.83%). Des Moines's median is +0.14% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $42,148,Muscatine spans $51,823. Muscatine has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($156,696 effective) pays 6.30% more than Muscatine ($147,412 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 ($143,692/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,918)
- ✓Larger job market (850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,696)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Muscatine if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Des Moines grew 18.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.2% growth in Muscatine over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$119,350 (2019) → $141,110 (2025)
Muscatine, IA
$109,757 (2024) → $130,865 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Muscatine, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov