Des Moines vs Marshalltown: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Des Moines, IA and Marshalltown, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Marshalltown, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,631▲ | $53,803 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.15▲ | $25.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,830▲ | $31,205 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,082▲ | $38,738 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,177▲ | $68,868 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,806▲ | $83,394 |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marshalltown.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Marshalltown is $6,828 (12.69%). Des Moines's median is -27.23% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $71,976,Marshalltown spans $52,189. 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 ($66,118 effective) pays 11.09% more than Marshalltown ($59,517 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 ($60,631/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,806)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,118)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Marshalltown if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Des Moines grew -28.7% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -27.0% growth in Marshalltown over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$79,660 (2022) → $56,760 (2025)
Marshalltown, IA
$68,965 (2024) → $50,368 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Marshalltown, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Des Moines or Marshalltown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Marshalltown?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Marshalltown as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Des Moines vs Marshalltown?
Written by Maria Chen, MDes
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in user experience design. She specializes in usability testing and user research. Maria has worked with tech companies and startups.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.82% 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 Maria Chen, MDes, a licensed ux designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov