Davenport vs Johnston: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Davenport, IA and Johnston, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Johnston, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,899▲ | $46,381 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.51▲ | $22.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,101▲ | $39,272 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,207▲ | $44,611 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,213▲ | $55,635 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,781▲ | $58,004 |
| Total Employed | 380▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnston.
The salary gap between Davenport and Johnston is $2,518 (5.43%). Davenport's median is -1.37% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $21,680,Johnston spans $18,732. 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 ($54,894 effective) pays 6.99% more than Johnston ($51,306 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 ($48,899/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,781)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,894)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Johnston if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Davenport grew 34.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.8% growth in Johnston over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$35,230 (2019) → $47,410 (2025)
Johnston, IA
$36,918 (2024) → $44,969 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Johnston, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Davenport or Johnston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Johnston?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Johnston as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Davenport vs Johnston?
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