Des Moines vs Dubuque: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer 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 | $84,313▲ | $74,378 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.53▲ | $35.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,454 | $65,464▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,925▲ | $71,091 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,667▲ | $88,848 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,667▲ | $88,848 |
| Total Employed | 1,240▲ | 170 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dubuque.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Dubuque is $9,935 (13.36%). Des Moines's median is +7.35% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $43,213,Dubuque spans $23,384. 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 ($91,943 effective) pays 7.95% more than Dubuque ($85,171 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 ($84,313/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,667)
- ✓Larger job market (1,240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,943)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Dubuque if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Des Moines grew 19.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.3% growth in Dubuque over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$68,250 (2019) → $81,810 (2025)
Dubuque, IA
$58,050 (2019) → $72,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Dubuque, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov