Davenport vs Fort Dodge: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Davenport, IA and Fort Dodge, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Fort Dodge, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,788▲ | $58,248 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.67▲ | $28.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,828▲ | $44,346 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,510▲ | $50,647 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,612 | $70,507▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,777 | $80,852▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Dodge.
The salary gap between Davenport and Fort Dodge is $5,540 (9.51%). Davenport's median is -6.39% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $25,949,Fort Dodge spans $36,506. Fort Dodge has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Davenport ($71,608 effective) pays 11.14% more than Fort Dodge ($64,434 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 ($63,788/year)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,608)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Dodge if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,852)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Davenport grew 39.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.9% growth in Fort Dodge over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$43,530 (2019) → $60,520 (2025)
Fort Dodge, IA
$46,469 (2024) → $55,264 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Fort Dodge, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Davenport or Fort Dodge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Fort Dodge?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Fort Dodge as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Davenport vs Fort Dodge?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov