Ames vs West Des Moines: Court Reporter Salary (2026)
Compare court reporter salaries between Ames, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,278 | $83,628▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.34 | $40.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,022 | $50,571▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,441 | $61,065▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $86,116 | $107,043▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,281 | $129,623▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 16▲ |
Verdict
West Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for court reporters, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ames.
The salary gap between Ames and West Des Moines is $16,350 (24.30%). West Des Moines's median is +11.82% compared to the US national median of $74,788.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $65,259,West Des Moines spans $79,052. West Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced court reporters.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, West Des Moines ($92,509 effective) pays 24.30% more than Ames ($74,423 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,628/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,623)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,509)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, court reporter salaries in Ames grew 24.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 58.0% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Ames, IA
$52,176 (2024) → $65,148 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$51,237 (2024) → $80,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays court reporters more: Ames or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Ames to West Des Moines as a court reporter?
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Written by Maria Gomez, RPR
Career Analyst
Maria Gomez has 10 years of experience in court reporting. She specializes in transcription for civil litigation cases. She works in various courtrooms across the state.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.27% 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 Maria Gomez, RPR, a licensed court reporter with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov