Cedar Falls vs Davenport: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer 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 | $93,310 | $107,366▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.86 | $51.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,244 | $80,514▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,302 | $85,794▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $115,827 | $135,566▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,868 | $140,218▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 930▲ |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Falls.
The salary gap between Cedar Falls and Davenport is $14,056 (15.06%). Davenport's median is +0.20% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Falls spans $74,624,Davenport spans $59,704. Cedar Falls 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 ($120,529 effective) pays 16.77% more than Cedar Falls ($103,219 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Falls if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,366/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,218)
- ✓Larger job market (930 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,529)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Cedar Falls grew 10.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.6% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Cedar Falls, IA
$82,393 (2024) → $90,663 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$85,770 (2019) → $104,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Falls, IA
Davenport, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers 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 mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Cedar Falls vs Davenport?
Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov