Davenport vs Waterloo: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician 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 | $78,581▲ | $64,765 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.77▲ | $31.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,502▲ | $41,011 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,714▲ | $49,069 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,517▲ | $82,605 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,653▲ | $84,913 |
| Total Employed | 1,450▲ | 360 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterloo.
The salary gap between Davenport and Waterloo is $13,816 (21.33%). Davenport's median is +21.77% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $63,151,Waterloo spans $43,902. 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 ($88,215 effective) pays 18.58% more than Waterloo ($74,394 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 ($78,581/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,653)
- ✓Larger job market (1,450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,215)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waterloo if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Davenport grew 36.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.7% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$56,370 (2019) → $76,950 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$52,120 (2019) → $63,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Davenport or Waterloo?
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Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.12% 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 Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov