Davenport vs Johnston: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Davenport, IA and Johnston, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Johnston, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,247▲ | $75,415 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.06▲ | $36.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,030▲ | $58,583 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,842▲ | $64,841 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,628▲ | $86,312 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,846▲ | $102,412 |
| Total Employed | 3,520▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnston.
The salary gap between Davenport and Johnston is $5,832 (7.73%). Davenport's median is -20.91% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $36,816,Johnston spans $43,829. Johnston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Davenport ($91,208 effective) pays 9.33% more than Johnston ($83,424 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 ($81,247/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,846)
- ✓Larger job market (3,520 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,208)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Johnston if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Davenport grew 42.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Johnston over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$54,030 (2019) → $77,150 (2025)
Johnston, IA
$59,573 (2024) → $71,612 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Johnston, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Davenport or Johnston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Johnston?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Johnston as a registered nurse?
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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