Ankeny vs Des Moines: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist 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 | $74,437▲ | $68,387 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.78▲ | $32.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,891▲ | $38,942 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,699▲ | $46,942 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,670▲ | $82,226 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,836▲ | $95,359 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Ankeny, IA offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Moines.
The salary gap between Ankeny and Des Moines is $6,050 (8.85%). Ankeny's median is -6.23% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ankeny spans $53,945,Des Moines spans $56,417. Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ankeny ($82,342 effective) pays 10.41% more than Des Moines ($74,576 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ankeny if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,437/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,836)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,342)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Ankeny grew 27.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.5% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Ankeny, IA
$56,226 (2024) → $71,643 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$61,230 (2019) → $65,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ankeny, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.90% 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 Aisha Patel, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov