Davenport vs Waukee: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Davenport, IA and Waukee, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Waukee, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,922▲ | $45,851 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.56▲ | $22.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,986▲ | $37,903 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,560▲ | $39,185 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,052▲ | $47,041 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,173 | $54,324▲ |
| Total Employed | 840▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waukee.
The salary gap between Davenport and Waukee is $1,071 (2.34%). 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,Waukee spans $16,421. Waukee 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 3.85% more than Waukee ($50,720 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 Waukee if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,324)
- ✓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 Waukee over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$32,660 (2019) → $44,700 (2025)
Waukee, IA
$34,595 (2024) → $43,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Waukee, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Davenport or Waukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Waukee?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Waukee as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Davenport vs Waukee?
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