Cedar Falls vs Davenport: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Cedar Falls, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Falls, IA | Davenport, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,321▲ | $52,175 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.64▲ | $25.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,205 | $41,297▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,561 | $42,597▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,277 | $69,608▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,285 | $84,614▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Falls and Davenport are closely matched on overall medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cedar Falls and Davenport is $1,146 (2.20%). Cedar Falls's median is -22.42% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Falls spans $49,080,Davenport spans $43,317. Cedar Falls 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, Cedar Falls ($58,983 effective) pays 0.70% more than Davenport ($58,572 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,321/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,983)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,614)
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Cedar Falls grew -12.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.8% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Cedar Falls, IA
$59,108 (2024) → $51,748 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$48,330 (2019) → $50,636 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Falls, IA
Davenport, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Cedar Falls or Davenport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Falls and Davenport?
Should I relocate from Cedar Falls to Davenport as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Cedar Falls vs Davenport?
Written by Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP)
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory science. She specializes in molecular diagnostics. She works at a large metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.04% 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 Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP), a licensed medical and clinical laboratory technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov