Cedar Falls vs Davenport: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist 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 | $103,404▲ | $90,064 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.72▲ | $43.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,713▲ | $69,937 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,382▲ | $77,862 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,083▲ | $107,028 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,583 | $139,337▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Falls and Davenport are closely matched on overall occupational therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cedar Falls and Davenport is $13,340 (14.81%). Cedar Falls's median is +0.00% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Falls spans $55,870,Davenport spans $69,400. Davenport has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Falls ($114,385 effective) pays 13.13% more than Davenport ($101,106 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 ($103,404/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,385)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,337)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Cedar Falls grew 36.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.1% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Cedar Falls, IA
$73,437 (2024) → $100,334 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$68,740 (2019) → $87,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Falls, IA
Davenport, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists 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 occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Cedar Falls vs Davenport?
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov