Davenport vs Waterloo: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst 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 | $71,107▲ | $54,865 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.19▲ | $26.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,360 | $42,380▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,460▲ | $47,496 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,058▲ | $72,939 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,438 | $102,340▲ |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterloo.
The salary gap between Davenport and Waterloo is $16,242 (29.60%). Davenport's median is -11.55% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $57,078,Waterloo spans $59,960. Waterloo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Davenport ($79,825 effective) pays 26.66% more than Waterloo ($63,022 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 ($71,107/year)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,825)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waterloo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,340)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Davenport grew -22.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -34.2% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$88,120 (2021) → $68,058 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$79,860 (2021) → $52,512 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Davenport or Waterloo?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov