Ames vs Davenport: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Ames, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Davenport, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,897▲ | $50,570 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.27▲ | $24.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,241▲ | $40,847 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,215▲ | $49,156 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,716▲ | $62,394 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $69,788 | $74,821▲ |
| Total Employed | 170 | 1,240▲ |
Verdict
Ames and Davenport are closely matched on overall welder compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Ames and Davenport is $10,327 (20.42%). Ames's median is +8.95% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $27,547,Davenport spans $33,974. Davenport has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ames ($68,555 effective) pays 20.76% more than Davenport ($56,770 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,897/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,555)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,821)
- ✓Larger job market (1,240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Ames grew 31.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.7% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Ames, IA
$44,530 (2019) → $58,560 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$36,930 (2019) → $48,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Ames or Davenport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Davenport?
Should I relocate from Ames to Davenport as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Ames vs Davenport?
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov