Davenport vs Des Moines: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Davenport, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,899 | $136,792▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.85 | $65.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,502 | $117,385▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $118,171 | $132,530▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $143,071 | $146,847▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,793▲ | $172,720 |
| Total Employed | 390 | 820▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Davenport.
The salary gap between Davenport and Des Moines is $1,893 (1.40%). Des Moines's median is -0.05% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $66,291,Des Moines spans $55,335. 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 ($151,437 effective) pays 1.52% more than Des Moines ($149,172 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,793)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,437)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,792/year)
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Davenport grew 21.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.5% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$106,950 (2019) → $130,400 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$99,770 (2019) → $132,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Davenport or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Des Moines as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Davenport vs Des Moines?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov