Davenport vs Fort Dodge: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Davenport, IA and Fort Dodge, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Fort Dodge, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,982▲ | $126,024 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.26▲ | $60.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,459▲ | $98,733 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,548▲ | $115,053 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,691▲ | $149,276 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,385▲ | $163,188 |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Dodge.
The salary gap between Davenport and Fort Dodge is $15,958 (12.66%). Davenport's median is +1.13% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $64,926,Fort Dodge spans $64,455. 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 ($159,389 effective) pays 14.33% more than Fort Dodge ($139,407 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 ($141,982/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,385)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $159,389)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Dodge if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Davenport grew 25.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.6% growth in Fort Dodge over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$109,300 (2019) → $137,420 (2025)
Fort Dodge, IA
$97,917 (2024) → $121,974 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Fort Dodge, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Davenport or Fort Dodge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Fort Dodge?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Fort Dodge as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Davenport vs Fort Dodge?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov