Des Moines vs Johnston: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Des Moines, IA and Johnston, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Johnston, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,313▲ | $74,195 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.53▲ | $35.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,454▲ | $51,060 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,925▲ | $60,311 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,667▲ | $94,193 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,667 | $107,823▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,240▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnston.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Johnston is $10,118 (13.64%). 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,Johnston spans $56,763. Johnston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($91,943 effective) pays 12.02% more than Johnston ($82,074 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)
- ✓Larger job market (1,240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,943)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Johnston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,823)
- ✓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 32.0% growth in Johnston over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$68,250 (2019) → $81,810 (2025)
Johnston, IA
$54,538 (2024) → $71,992 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Johnston, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Des Moines or Johnston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Johnston?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Johnston as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Des Moines vs Johnston?
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