Davenport vs Waterloo: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant 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 | $46,922 | $47,929▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.56 | $23.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,986▲ | $38,608 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,560▲ | $39,752 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,052 | $49,136▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,173 | $53,230▲ |
| Total Employed | 840▲ | 390 |
Verdict
Waterloo, IA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Davenport.
The salary gap between Davenport and Waterloo is $1,007 (2.15%). Waterloo's median is -0.07% 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,Waterloo spans $14,622. Waterloo 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, Waterloo ($55,055 effective) pays 4.52% more than Davenport ($52,675 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waterloo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,929/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,230)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,055)
- ✓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 41.5% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$32,660 (2019) → $44,700 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$32,270 (2019) → $45,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Davenport or Waterloo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Waterloo?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Waterloo as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Davenport vs Waterloo?
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