Des Moines vs Dubuque: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Des Moines, IA and Dubuque, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Dubuque, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,435 | $88,423▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.03 | $42.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,542 | $80,031▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,944 | $82,797▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,134▲ | $102,773 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,272▲ | $108,982 |
| Total Employed | 380▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Des Moines and Dubuque are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Dubuque is $988 (1.13%). Dubuque's median is -13.12% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $60,730,Dubuque spans $28,951. 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, Dubuque ($101,254 effective) pays 6.19% more than Des Moines ($95,348 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,272)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Dubuque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,423/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,254)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Des Moines grew -7.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.8% growth in Dubuque over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$90,890 (2019) → $84,080 (2025)
Dubuque, IA
$65,000 (2019) → $85,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Dubuque, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Des Moines or Dubuque?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Dubuque?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Dubuque as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Des Moines vs Dubuque?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov