Davenport vs North Liberty: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Davenport, IA and North Liberty, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | North Liberty, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,366▲ | $92,448 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.61▲ | $44.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,514▲ | $66,830 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,794▲ | $79,832 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,566▲ | $116,333 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,218▲ | $140,061 |
| Total Employed | 930▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to North Liberty.
The salary gap between Davenport and North Liberty is $14,918 (16.14%). 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 Davenport spans $59,704,North Liberty spans $73,231. North Liberty has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Davenport ($120,529 effective) pays 17.86% more than North Liberty ($102,265 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 ($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
Choose North Liberty if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Davenport grew 21.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in North Liberty over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$85,770 (2019) → $104,320 (2025)
North Liberty, IA
$78,431 (2024) → $89,825 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
North Liberty, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Davenport or North Liberty?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and North Liberty?
Should I relocate from Davenport to North Liberty as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Davenport vs North Liberty?
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