Let's examine this from the other side for a bit: why would a company want to pay for one developer's value in Des Moines an amount of money that could get them

Let's examine this from the other side for a bit: why would a company want to pay for one developer's value in Des Moines an amount of money that could get them two or even three developers of value in Des Moines? What does the company gain by paying for one developer instead of multiple? The value you bring may be the same, but if you commoditize yourself it's possible your employer will agree. Then react accordingly. Remember, nobody wants a shovel. They want a hole.