Davenport vs Johnston: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian 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 | $131,391▲ | $125,086 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.17▲ | $60.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,202 | $78,733▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,425▲ | $101,922 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,230▲ | $158,340 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $209,315▲ | $193,884 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnston.
The salary gap between Davenport and Johnston is $6,305 (5.04%). Davenport's median is -4.33% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $141,113,Johnston spans $115,151. 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 ($147,499 effective) pays 6.60% more than Johnston ($138,369 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 ($131,391/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($209,315)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,499)
- ✓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, veterinarian salaries in Davenport grew 29.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.8% growth in Johnston over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$95,980 (2019) → $124,470 (2025)
Johnston, IA
$90,618 (2024) → $118,498 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Johnston, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Davenport or Johnston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Johnston?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Johnston as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Davenport vs Johnston?
Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov