Des Moines vs West Des Moines: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Des Moines, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,585▲ | $56,841 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.69▲ | $27.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,125▲ | $41,085 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,075▲ | $44,611 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,647▲ | $72,757 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,937 | $88,103▲ |
| Total Employed | 650▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and West Des Moines is $744 (1.31%). Des Moines's median is -10.49% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $30,812,West Des Moines spans $47,018. West Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced school counselors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, West Des Moines ($62,877 effective) pays 0.13% more than Des Moines ($62,796 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 ($57,585/year)
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,103)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,877)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Des Moines grew -8.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.7% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$61,810 (2019) → $56,428 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$54,771 (2024) → $55,699 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Des Moines or West Des Moines?
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Should I relocate from Des Moines to West Des Moines as a school counselor?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% 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 Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov