Davenport vs Waterloo: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist 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 | $132,705▲ | $123,713 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.80▲ | $59.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,293 | $71,753▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,278 | $99,713▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $160,576▲ | $149,593 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $190,301▲ | $182,265 |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterloo.
The salary gap between Davenport and Waterloo is $8,992 (7.27%). 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 Davenport spans $122,008,Waterloo spans $110,512. Davenport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Davenport ($148,975 effective) pays 8.86% more than Waterloo ($136,851 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 ($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
Choose Waterloo if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Davenport grew 19.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to -8.2% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$108,250 (2020) → $128,890 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$130,930 (2022) → $120,156 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Davenport or Waterloo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Waterloo?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Waterloo as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Davenport vs Waterloo?
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