Cedar Rapids vs Des Moines: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)
Compare insurance agent 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 | $64,460▲ | $63,341 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.99▲ | $30.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,802▲ | $28,614 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,443▲ | $47,293 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,583 | $102,471▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,287 | $133,136▲ |
| Total Employed | 610 | 2,940▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids and Des Moines are closely matched on overall insurance agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Des Moines is $1,119 (1.77%). Cedar Rapids's median is -0.10% compared to the US national median of $64,522.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $84,485,Des Moines spans $104,522. Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced insurance agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($72,457 effective) pays 4.90% more than Des Moines ($69,073 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,460/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,457)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,136)
- ✓Larger job market (2,940 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 29.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.6% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$48,040 (2019) → $62,220 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$56,310 (2019) → $61,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays insurance agents 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 insurance agent?
What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Cedar Rapids vs Des Moines?
Written by Jordan Lee, MBA
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.60% 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, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov