Cedar Rapids vs Davenport: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Davenport, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,101 | $107,366▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.88 | $51.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,058 | $80,514▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,269 | $85,794▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,977 | $135,566▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,921 | $140,218▲ |
| Total Employed | 350 | 930▲ |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Davenport is $20,265 (23.27%). 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 Rapids spans $68,863,Davenport spans $59,704. Cedar Rapids 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 23.11% more than Cedar Rapids ($97,907 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids 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 Rapids grew -1.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.6% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$85,720 (2019) → $84,630 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$85,770 (2019) → $104,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Davenport, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Cedar Rapids or Davenport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Davenport?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Davenport as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Cedar Rapids 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