Davenport vs Dubuque: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Davenport, IA and Dubuque, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Dubuque, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,754▲ | $67,384 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.58▲ | $32.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,960 | $54,097▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,779▲ | $61,739 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,394▲ | $75,005 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,427 | $80,543▲ |
| Total Employed | 640▲ | 200 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dubuque.
The salary gap between Davenport and Dubuque is $370 (0.55%). Davenport's median is -0.47% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $26,467,Dubuque spans $26,446. 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, Dubuque ($77,162 effective) pays 1.45% more than Davenport ($76,061 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 ($67,754/year)
- ✓Larger job market (640 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Dubuque if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,543)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,162)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Davenport grew 42.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.4% growth in Dubuque over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$45,040 (2019) → $64,100 (2025)
Dubuque, IA
$43,540 (2019) → $63,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Dubuque, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Davenport or Dubuque?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Dubuque?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Dubuque as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Davenport vs Dubuque?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov