Ankeny vs Des Moines: Chiropractor Salary (2026)
Compare chiropractor salaries between Ankeny, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ankeny, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,367 | $76,523▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.75 | $36.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,133▲ | $26,718 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,643▲ | $43,954 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,190 | $123,341▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,269 | $129,162▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for chiropractors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ankeny.
The salary gap between Ankeny and Des Moines is $2,156 (2.90%). Des Moines's median is -5.54% compared to the US national median of $81,014.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ankeny spans $72,136,Des Moines spans $102,444. Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced chiropractors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($83,448 effective) pays 1.44% more than Ankeny ($82,264 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ankeny if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,523/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,162)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,448)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, chiropractor salaries in Ankeny grew 11.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.6% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Ankeny, IA
$65,011 (2024) → $72,702 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$59,570 (2019) → $74,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ankeny, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays chiropractors more: Ankeny or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ankeny and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Ankeny to Des Moines as a chiropractor?
What do entry-level chiropractors earn in Ankeny vs Des Moines?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, D.C.
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a chiropractor. She specializes in sports injuries and practices in a private clinic. Maria also conducts workshops for community health education.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.29% 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, D.C., a licensed chiropractor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov