Cedar Falls vs Davenport: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Cedar Falls, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Falls, IA | Davenport, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,531▲ | $48,899 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.29▲ | $23.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,548 | $40,101▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,811▲ | $47,207 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,485▲ | $59,213 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,847▲ | $61,781 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 380▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Falls, IA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Davenport.
The salary gap between Cedar Falls and Davenport is $1,632 (3.34%). Cedar Falls's median is +1.92% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Falls spans $23,299,Davenport spans $21,680. Cedar Falls 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, Cedar Falls ($55,897 effective) pays 1.83% 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 Cedar Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,531/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,847)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,897)
- ✓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 Cedar Falls grew 24.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.6% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Cedar Falls, IA
$39,405 (2024) → $48,993 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$35,230 (2019) → $47,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Falls, IA
Davenport, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Cedar Falls or Davenport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Falls and Davenport?
Should I relocate from Cedar Falls to Davenport as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Cedar Falls 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