Davenport vs Dubuque: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Davenport, IA and Dubuque, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Dubuque, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,740▲ | $108,097 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.25▲ | $51.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,044 | $84,153▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $91,782 | $104,334▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $138,072▲ | $131,169 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,454 | $212,099▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dubuque.
The salary gap between Davenport and Dubuque is $2,643 (2.45%). Davenport's median is -11.43% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $95,410,Dubuque spans $127,946. Dubuque has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Davenport ($124,317 effective) pays 0.43% more than Dubuque ($123,783 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 ($110,740/year)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,317)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Dubuque if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($212,099)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Davenport grew 25.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.2% growth in Dubuque over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$85,380 (2019) → $106,840 (2025)
Dubuque, IA
$87,490 (2019) → $104,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Dubuque, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Davenport or Dubuque?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov