Ames vs Davenport: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Ames, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Davenport, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,257▲ | $81,247 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.06 | $39.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,778▲ | $67,030 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,853▲ | $70,842 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,196 | $86,628▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,720▲ | $103,846 |
| Total Employed | 1,070 | 3,520▲ |
Verdict
Ames, IA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 2 out of 4 metrics compared to Davenport.
The salary gap between Ames and Davenport is $10 (0.01%). Ames's median is -20.90% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $36,942,Davenport spans $36,816. Ames 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, Ames ($91,475 effective) pays 0.29% more than Davenport ($91,208 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,257/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,720)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,475)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,520 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Ames grew 28.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.8% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Ames, IA
$60,160 (2019) → $77,160 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$54,030 (2019) → $77,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Ames or Davenport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Davenport?
Should I relocate from Ames to Davenport as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Ames vs Davenport?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov