Davenport vs Waukee: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Davenport, IA and Waukee, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Waukee, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,955▲ | $83,193 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.80▲ | $40.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,691▲ | $61,083 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,458▲ | $70,302 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,908▲ | $87,825 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,035▲ | $101,794 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waukee.
The salary gap between Davenport and Waukee is $3,762 (4.52%). Davenport's median is -14.20% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $24,344,Waukee spans $40,711. Waukee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Davenport ($97,616 effective) pays 6.07% more than Waukee ($92,028 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 ($86,955/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,035)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,616)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waukee if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Davenport grew 16.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.6% growth in Waukee over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$71,080 (2019) → $82,870 (2025)
Waukee, IA
$65,731 (2024) → $79,284 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Waukee, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Davenport or Waukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Waukee?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Waukee as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Davenport vs Waukee?
Written by Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in abdominal sonography. She works at a regional hospital. Aisha also conducts training for new sonographers.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% 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 Khan, RDMS, RVT, a licensed diagnostic medical sonographer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov