Council Bluffs vs Davenport: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist 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 | $53,994▲ | $52,175 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.96▲ | $25.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,402 | $41,297▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,659 | $42,597▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,112 | $69,608▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,691 | $84,614▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Council Bluffs and Davenport are closely matched on overall medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Council Bluffs and Davenport is $1,819 (3.49%). Council Bluffs's median is -21.44% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Council Bluffs spans $50,289,Davenport spans $43,317. 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 ($59,728 effective) pays 1.97% 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 Council Bluffs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,994/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,728)
- ✓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 Council Bluffs grew -9.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.8% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Council Bluffs, IA
$57,619 (2024) → $52,401 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$48,330 (2019) → $50,636 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Council Bluffs, IA
Davenport, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists 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 medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Council Bluffs 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