Davenport vs Mason City: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Davenport, IA and Mason City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Mason City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,391▲ | $127,594 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.17▲ | $61.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,202 | $75,436▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,425▲ | $100,579 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,230▲ | $159,414 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $209,315▲ | $197,770 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mason City.
The salary gap between Davenport and Mason City is $3,797 (2.98%). 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,Mason City spans $122,334. 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 4.50% more than Mason City ($141,144 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 Mason City 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 Mason City over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$95,980 (2019) → $124,470 (2025)
Mason City, IA
$92,434 (2024) → $120,873 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Mason City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Davenport or Mason City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Mason City?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Mason City as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Davenport vs Mason City?
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