Des Moines vs Dubuque: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder 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 | $62,373▲ | $58,338 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.99▲ | $28.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,104 | $49,104 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,496▲ | $50,498 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,110▲ | $61,988 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,837▲ | $67,552 |
| Total Employed | 1,170▲ | 330 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dubuque.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Dubuque is $4,035 (6.92%). Des Moines's median is +11.59% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $28,733,Dubuque spans $18,448. 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 ($68,018 effective) pays 1.82% more than Dubuque ($66,803 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 ($62,373/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,837)
- ✓Larger job market (1,170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,018)
- ✓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, welder salaries in Des Moines grew 49.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.1% growth in Dubuque over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$40,010 (2019) → $59,980 (2025)
Dubuque, IA
$44,850 (2019) → $56,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Dubuque, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Des Moines or Dubuque?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Dubuque?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Dubuque as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Des Moines vs Dubuque?
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov