Davenport vs Waterloo: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Davenport, IA and Waterloo, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,754▲ | $63,367 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.58▲ | $30.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,960▲ | $53,622 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,779▲ | $59,255 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,394▲ | $69,942 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,427▲ | $78,778 |
| Total Employed | 640▲ | 360 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterloo.
The salary gap between Davenport and Waterloo is $4,387 (6.92%). Davenport's median is -0.47% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $26,467,Waterloo spans $25,156. Davenport 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, Davenport ($76,061 effective) pays 4.50% more than Waterloo ($72,788 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,754/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,427)
- ✓Larger job market (640 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,061)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waterloo if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Davenport grew 42.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.4% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$45,040 (2019) → $64,100 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$43,310 (2019) → $59,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Davenport or Waterloo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Waterloo?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Waterloo as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Davenport vs Waterloo?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov