Des Moines vs Ottumwa: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Des Moines, IA and Ottumwa, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Ottumwa, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,381▲ | $88,379 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.82▲ | $42.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,584▲ | $51,260 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,041▲ | $64,033 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,009▲ | $113,126 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $208,604▲ | $136,988 |
| Total Employed | 640▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ottumwa.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Ottumwa is $9,002 (10.19%). Des Moines's median is -10.28% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $154,020,Ottumwa spans $85,728. 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 ($106,194 effective) pays 8.62% more than Ottumwa ($97,764 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 ($97,381/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($208,604)
- ✓Larger job market (640 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,194)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Ottumwa if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Des Moines grew 29.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Ottumwa over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$72,850 (2019) → $94,270 (2025)
Ottumwa, IA
$74,016 (2024) → $85,556 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Ottumwa, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% 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, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov