Des Moines vs Ottumwa: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal 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 | $62,189▲ | $54,476 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.90▲ | $26.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,806 | $42,812▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,275▲ | $45,706 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,630▲ | $67,687 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,076▲ | $82,969 |
| Total Employed | 1,190▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ottumwa.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Ottumwa is $7,713 (14.16%). Des Moines's median is -4.47% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $54,270,Ottumwa spans $40,157. 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 ($67,817 effective) pays 12.54% more than Ottumwa ($60,261 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 ($62,189/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,076)
- ✓Larger job market (1,190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,817)
- ✓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, paralegal salaries in Des Moines grew 6.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.8% growth in Ottumwa over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$56,270 (2019) → $60,080 (2025)
Ottumwa, IA
$46,260 (2024) → $52,629 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Ottumwa, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% 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 Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov