Davenport vs Waterloo: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Davenport, IA and Waterloo, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,051 | $86,575▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.37 | $41.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,740 | $80,562▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,979 | $84,214▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,224▲ | $97,342 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,543▲ | $98,528 |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 130 |
Verdict
Davenport and Waterloo are closely matched on overall dental hygienist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Davenport and Waterloo is $524 (0.61%). Waterloo's median is -15.90% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $22,803,Waterloo spans $17,966. 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, Waterloo ($99,446 effective) pays 2.95% more than Davenport ($96,601 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,543)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waterloo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,575/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,446)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Davenport grew 15.3% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 21.4% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$71,140 (2020) → $82,000 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$67,970 (2020) → $82,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Davenport or Waterloo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Waterloo?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Waterloo as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Davenport vs Waterloo?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov