Des Moines vs Marshalltown: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)
Compare insurance agent salaries between Des Moines, IA and Marshalltown, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Marshalltown, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,341▲ | $61,215 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.46▲ | $29.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,614 | $38,752▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,293▲ | $45,633 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,471▲ | $78,356 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,136▲ | $94,883 |
| Total Employed | 2,940▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for insurance agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marshalltown.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Marshalltown is $2,126 (3.47%). Des Moines's median is -1.83% compared to the US national median of $64,522.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $104,522,Marshalltown spans $56,131. 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 ($69,073 effective) pays 2.00% more than Marshalltown ($67,716 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 ($63,341/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,136)
- ✓Larger job market (2,940 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,073)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Marshalltown if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in Des Moines grew 8.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.7% growth in Marshalltown over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$56,310 (2019) → $61,140 (2025)
Marshalltown, IA
$53,381 (2024) → $59,088 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Marshalltown, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays insurance agents more: Des Moines or Marshalltown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Marshalltown?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Marshalltown as a insurance agent?
What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Des Moines vs Marshalltown?
Written by Jordan Lee, MBA
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.60% 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, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov