Davenport vs West Des Moines: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist 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 | $81,445 | $86,305▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.15 | $41.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,978▲ | $57,450 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,668▲ | $67,497 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,425 | $101,591▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,865 | $118,163▲ |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 16 |
Verdict
West Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Davenport.
The salary gap between Davenport and West Des Moines is $4,860 (5.97%). West Des Moines's median is -15.20% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $47,887,West Des Moines spans $60,713. West Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, West Des Moines ($95,470 effective) pays 4.42% more than Davenport ($91,430 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 (200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,305/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,163)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,470)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Davenport grew 2.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.4% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$76,180 (2019) → $78,320 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$70,672 (2024) → $82,994 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists 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 speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Davenport vs West Des Moines?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov