Davenport vs Ottumwa: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Davenport, IA and Ottumwa, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Ottumwa, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,922▲ | $44,589 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.56▲ | $21.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,986▲ | $38,723 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,560▲ | $39,498 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,052▲ | $46,888 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,173 | $54,673▲ |
| Total Employed | 840▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ottumwa.
The salary gap between Davenport and Ottumwa is $2,333 (5.23%). 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,Ottumwa spans $15,950. Ottumwa 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 6.79% more than Ottumwa ($49,324 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 Ottumwa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,673)
- ✓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 Ottumwa over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$32,660 (2019) → $44,700 (2025)
Ottumwa, IA
$33,644 (2024) → $42,478 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Ottumwa, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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