Davenport vs Ottumwa: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Davenport, IA and Ottumwa, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Ottumwa, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,391▲ | $125,391 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.17▲ | $60.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,202 | $79,437▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,425 | $102,542▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,230▲ | $156,227 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $209,315▲ | $194,355 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ottumwa.
The salary gap between Davenport and Ottumwa is $6,000 (4.79%). 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,Ottumwa spans $114,918. 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 6.34% more than Ottumwa ($138,707 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 Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$95,980 (2019) → $124,470 (2025)
Ottumwa, IA
$90,838 (2024) → $118,786 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Ottumwa, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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