Coralville vs Davenport: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Coralville, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Coralville, IA | Davenport, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $120,906 | $132,705▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.13 | $63.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,125▲ | $68,293 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,339▲ | $88,278 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,942 | $160,576▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,698 | $190,301▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Coralville.
The salary gap between Coralville and Davenport is $11,799 (9.76%). Davenport's median is -5.62% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Coralville spans $103,573,Davenport spans $122,008. Davenport has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Davenport ($148,975 effective) pays 11.39% more than Coralville ($133,746 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Coralville if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,705/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($190,301)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,975)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Coralville grew 6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Coralville, IA
$110,061 (2024) → $117,430 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$108,250 (2020) → $128,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Coralville, IA
Davenport, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Coralville or Davenport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Coralville and Davenport?
Should I relocate from Coralville to Davenport as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Coralville vs Davenport?
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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 Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov