Des Moines vs Waukee: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Des Moines, IA and Waukee, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Waukee, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,045 | $91,409▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.81 | $43.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,617▲ | $53,017 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,799▲ | $67,363 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,572▲ | $117,003 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $184,962▲ | $141,685 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 4 |
Verdict
Waukee, IA offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Waukee is $2,364 (2.65%). Waukee's median is -13.51% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $116,345,Waukee spans $88,668. 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, Waukee ($101,116 effective) pays 4.13% more than Des Moines ($97,104 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 ($184,962)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,409/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,116)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Des Moines grew -19.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 3.8% growth in Waukee over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$104,650 (2021) → $84,740 (2025)
Waukee, IA
$83,825 (2024) → $86,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Waukee, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Des Moines or Waukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Waukee?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Waukee as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Des Moines vs Waukee?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in clinical psychology. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Maria works at a mental health clinic in Chicago.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.08% 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, PhD, LPC, a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov