Davenport vs Muscatine: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Davenport, IA and Muscatine, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Muscatine, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,064▲ | $86,122 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.30▲ | $41.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,937▲ | $68,427 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,862▲ | $74,607 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,028▲ | $98,223 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,337▲ | $107,381 |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Muscatine.
The salary gap between Davenport and Muscatine is $3,942 (4.58%). Davenport's median is -12.90% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $69,400,Muscatine spans $38,954. 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 ($101,106 effective) pays 6.13% more than Muscatine ($95,268 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 ($90,064/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,337)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,106)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Muscatine if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Davenport grew 27.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.7% growth in Muscatine over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$68,740 (2019) → $87,390 (2025)
Muscatine, IA
$69,232 (2024) → $83,565 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Muscatine, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Davenport or Muscatine?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Muscatine?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Muscatine as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Davenport vs Muscatine?
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