Ames vs Davenport: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Ames, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Davenport, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,683▲ | $48,899 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.37▲ | $23.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,918▲ | $40,101 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,146▲ | $47,207 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,481▲ | $59,213 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,162▲ | $61,781 |
| Total Employed | 110 | 380▲ |
Verdict
Ames, IA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Davenport.
The salary gap between Ames and Davenport is $1,784 (3.65%). Ames's median is +2.23% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $15,244,Davenport spans $21,680. Davenport has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ames ($57,056 effective) pays 3.94% more than Davenport ($54,894 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,683/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,162)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,056)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Ames grew 7.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.6% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Ames, IA
$45,940 (2019) → $49,140 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$35,230 (2019) → $47,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Ames or Davenport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Davenport?
Should I relocate from Ames to Davenport as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Ames vs Davenport?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% 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 Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov