Des Moines vs Sioux City: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)
Compare insurance agent salaries between Des Moines, IA and Sioux City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Sioux City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,341 | $63,849▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.46 | $30.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,614 | $39,793▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,293▲ | $47,179 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,471▲ | $83,056 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,136 | $140,451▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,940▲ | 200 |
Verdict
Sioux City, IA offers better overall compensation for insurance agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Sioux City is $508 (0.80%). Sioux City's median is -1.04% compared to the US national median of $64,522.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $104,522,Sioux City spans $100,658. 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, Sioux City ($73,853 effective) pays 6.92% 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 Des Moines if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,940 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,849/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,451)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,853)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in Des Moines grew 8.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -21.2% growth in Sioux City over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$56,310 (2019) → $61,140 (2025)
Sioux City, IA
$78,260 (2019) → $61,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Sioux City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays insurance agents more: Des Moines or Sioux City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Sioux City?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Sioux City as a insurance agent?
What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Des Moines vs Sioux City?
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