Davenport vs West Des Moines: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Davenport, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,899 | $135,025▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.85 | $64.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,502 | $106,530▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $118,171 | $118,780▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $143,071 | $160,803▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,793 | $177,786▲ |
| Total Employed | 390▲ | 16 |
Verdict
West 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 West Des Moines is $126 (0.09%). West Des Moines's median is -1.34% 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,West Des Moines spans $71,256. West Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Davenport ($151,437 effective) pays 1.39% more than West Des Moines ($149,364 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,437)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,025/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,786)
- ✓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 18.2% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$106,950 (2019) → $130,400 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$110,425 (2024) → $130,522 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Davenport or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Davenport to West Des Moines as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Davenport vs West 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