Davenport vs Marshalltown: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Davenport, IA and Marshalltown, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Marshalltown, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,233▲ | $61,524 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.61▲ | $29.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,733▲ | $44,822 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,876▲ | $47,994 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,706▲ | $78,751 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,473▲ | $95,363 |
| Total Employed | 680▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marshalltown.
The salary gap between Davenport and Marshalltown is $16,709 (27.16%). Davenport's median is +19.61% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $55,740,Marshalltown spans $50,541. Davenport 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 ($87,824 effective) pays 29.04% more than Marshalltown ($68,058 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 ($78,233/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,473)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,824)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Marshalltown if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Davenport grew 24.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in Marshalltown over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$61,080 (2019) → $76,310 (2025)
Marshalltown, IA
$53,381 (2024) → $60,012 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Marshalltown, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Davenport or Marshalltown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Marshalltown?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Marshalltown as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Davenport vs Marshalltown?
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov