Council Bluffs vs Davenport: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Council Bluffs, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Council Bluffs, IA | Davenport, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,328 | $86,051▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.54 | $41.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,394 | $77,740▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,485 | $81,979▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,339 | $98,224▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,471▲ | $100,543 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 280▲ |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Council Bluffs.
The salary gap between Council Bluffs and Davenport is $1,723 (2.04%). Davenport's median is -16.41% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Council Bluffs spans $42,077,Davenport spans $22,803. Council Bluffs 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 ($96,601 effective) pays 3.56% more than Council Bluffs ($93,283 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Council Bluffs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,471)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,051/year)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,601)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Council Bluffs grew 13.0% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 15.3% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Council Bluffs, IA
$71,130 (2020) → $80,358 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$71,140 (2020) → $82,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Council Bluffs, IA
Davenport, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Council Bluffs or Davenport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Council Bluffs and Davenport?
Should I relocate from Council Bluffs to Davenport as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Council Bluffs vs Davenport?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov