Davenport vs Fort Dodge: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Davenport, IA and Fort Dodge, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Fort Dodge, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,366▲ | $89,986 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.61▲ | $43.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,514▲ | $68,518 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,794▲ | $74,729 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,566▲ | $112,413 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,218▲ | $131,594 |
| Total Employed | 930▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Dodge.
The salary gap between Davenport and Fort Dodge is $17,380 (19.31%). 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,Fort Dodge spans $63,076. Fort Dodge 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 21.08% more than Fort Dodge ($99,542 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 Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$85,770 (2019) → $104,320 (2025)
Fort Dodge, IA
$76,342 (2024) → $87,433 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Fort Dodge, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Davenport or Fort Dodge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Fort Dodge?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Fort Dodge as a mechanical engineer?
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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