Davenport vs Johnston: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Davenport, IA and Johnston, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Johnston, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,445▲ | $78,639 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.15▲ | $37.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,978▲ | $55,731 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,668▲ | $65,240 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,425▲ | $91,446 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,865▲ | $103,950 |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnston.
The salary gap between Davenport and Johnston is $2,806 (3.57%). Davenport's median is -19.98% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $47,887,Johnston spans $48,219. Johnston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Davenport ($91,430 effective) pays 5.10% more than Johnston ($86,990 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 ($81,445/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,865)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,430)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Johnston if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Davenport grew 2.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in Johnston over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$76,180 (2019) → $78,320 (2025)
Johnston, IA
$67,124 (2024) → $75,622 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Johnston, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Davenport or Johnston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Johnston?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Johnston as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Davenport vs Johnston?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov