Des Moines vs Sioux City: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Des Moines, IA and Sioux City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Sioux City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,156▲ | $46,204 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.63▲ | $22.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,570▲ | $38,001 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,048▲ | $39,635 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,108▲ | $51,044 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,749▲ | $53,405 |
| Total Employed | 1,160▲ | 210 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sioux City.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Sioux City is $2,952 (6.39%). Des Moines's median is +1.90% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $19,179,Sioux City spans $15,404. 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 ($53,605 effective) pays 0.30% more than Sioux City ($53,443 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 ($49,156/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,749)
- ✓Larger job market (1,160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,605)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux City if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Des Moines grew 33.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.4% growth in Sioux City over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$35,030 (2019) → $46,620 (2025)
Sioux City, IA
$31,440 (2019) → $43,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Sioux City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Des Moines or Sioux City?
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What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Des Moines vs Sioux City?
Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% 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 Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov