Des Moines vs Dubuque: Chiropractor Salary (2026)
Compare chiropractor salaries between Des Moines, IA and Dubuque, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Dubuque, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,523 | $77,434▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.78 | $37.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,718 | $44,911▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,954 | $58,095▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $123,341▲ | $99,115 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,162▲ | $120,022 |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Des Moines and Dubuque are closely matched on overall chiropractor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Dubuque is $911 (1.19%). Dubuque's median is -4.42% compared to the US national median of $81,014.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $102,444,Dubuque spans $75,111. 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, Dubuque ($85,657 effective) pays 2.65% more than Des Moines ($83,448 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,162)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Dubuque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,434/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,657)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, chiropractor salaries in Des Moines grew 25.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 54.1% growth in Dubuque over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$59,570 (2019) → $74,810 (2025)
Dubuque, IA
$49,120 (2021) → $75,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Dubuque, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays chiropractors more: Des Moines or Dubuque?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Dubuque?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Dubuque as a chiropractor?
What do entry-level chiropractors earn in Des Moines vs Dubuque?
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