Council Bluffs vs Davenport: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder 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 | $57,509▲ | $50,570 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.65▲ | $24.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,003▲ | $40,847 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,822▲ | $49,156 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,158▲ | $62,394 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,668▲ | $74,821 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 1,240▲ |
Verdict
Council Bluffs, IA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Davenport.
The salary gap between Council Bluffs and Davenport is $6,939 (13.72%). Council Bluffs's median is +2.89% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Council Bluffs spans $39,665,Davenport spans $33,974. 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, Council Bluffs ($63,616 effective) pays 12.06% 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 Council Bluffs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,509/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,668)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,616)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓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 Council Bluffs grew 17.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.7% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Council Bluffs, IA
$47,143 (2024) → $55,302 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$36,930 (2019) → $48,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Council Bluffs, IA
Davenport, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders 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 welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Council Bluffs 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