Des Moines vs Ottumwa: Court Reporter Salary (2026)
Compare court reporter salaries between Des Moines, IA and Ottumwa, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Ottumwa, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,723▲ | $62,904 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.73▲ | $30.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,379▲ | $40,759 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,769▲ | $49,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,965▲ | $80,517 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,850▲ | $97,501 |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for court reporters, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ottumwa.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Ottumwa is $21,819 (34.69%). Des Moines's median is +13.28% compared to the US national median of $74,788.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $58,471,Ottumwa spans $56,742. 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 ($92,390 effective) pays 32.78% more than Ottumwa ($69,584 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 ($84,723/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($122,850)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,390)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Ottumwa if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, court reporter salaries in Des Moines grew 5.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.9% growth in Ottumwa over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$77,920 (2019) → $82,040 (2025)
Ottumwa, IA
$48,783 (2024) → $60,912 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Ottumwa, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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