Davenport vs Urbandale: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Davenport, IA and Urbandale, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Urbandale, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,148 | $42,556▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.26 | $20.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,164▲ | $34,488 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,175▲ | $37,197 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,667▲ | $47,353 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,201▲ | $57,773 |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Davenport and Urbandale are closely matched on overall emergency medical technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Davenport and Urbandale is $408 (0.97%). Urbandale's median is -9.57% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $25,037,Urbandale spans $23,285. 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 ($47,315 effective) pays 0.51% more than Urbandale ($47,075 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,201)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,315)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Urbandale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,556/year)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Davenport grew 38.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Urbandale over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$28,760 (2021) → $39,830 (2025)
Urbandale, IA
$31,094 (2024) → $40,215 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Urbandale, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Davenport or Urbandale?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Urbandale?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Urbandale as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Davenport vs Urbandale?
Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.82% 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 Aisha Patel, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov