Davenport vs Fort Dodge: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Davenport, IA and Fort Dodge, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Fort Dodge, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,922▲ | $43,991 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.56▲ | $21.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,986▲ | $37,161 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,560▲ | $38,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,052▲ | $46,545 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,173 | $52,735▲ |
| Total Employed | 840▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Dodge.
The salary gap between Davenport and Fort Dodge is $2,931 (6.66%). Davenport's median is -2.17% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $12,187,Fort Dodge spans $15,574. Fort Dodge has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Davenport ($52,675 effective) pays 8.24% more than Fort Dodge ($48,663 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 ($46,922/year)
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,675)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Dodge if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,735)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Davenport grew 36.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.3% growth in Fort Dodge over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$32,660 (2019) → $44,700 (2025)
Fort Dodge, IA
$33,192 (2024) → $41,908 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Fort Dodge, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Davenport or Fort Dodge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Fort Dodge?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Fort Dodge as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Davenport vs Fort Dodge?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov