Council Bluffs vs Davenport: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Council Bluffs, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Council Bluffs, IA | Davenport, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,756 | $132,705▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.02 | $63.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,199▲ | $68,293 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,821▲ | $88,278 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,003 | $160,576▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,990 | $190,301▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Council Bluffs.
The salary gap between Council Bluffs and Davenport is $9,949 (8.10%). 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 Council Bluffs spans $107,791,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 9.71% more than Council Bluffs ($135,792 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs grew 6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Council Bluffs, IA
$111,746 (2024) → $119,227 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$108,250 (2020) → $128,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Council Bluffs, IA
Davenport, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Council Bluffs or Davenport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Council Bluffs and Davenport?
Should I relocate from Council Bluffs to Davenport as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Council Bluffs 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