Cedar Rapids vs Des Moines: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy 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 | $46,320 | $49,156▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.27 | $23.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,496 | $38,570▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,487 | $41,048▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,379 | $52,108▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,987 | $57,749▲ |
| Total Employed | 390 | 1,160▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Des Moines is $2,836 (6.12%). Des Moines's median is +1.90% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $16,491,Des Moines spans $19,179. Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacy technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($53,605 effective) pays 2.95% more than Cedar Rapids ($52,067 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 ($49,156/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,749)
- ✓Larger job market (1,160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,605)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 31.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.1% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$33,330 (2019) → $43,930 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$35,030 (2019) → $46,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy 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 pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Cedar Rapids vs Des Moines?
Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% 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 Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov