Clinton vs Davenport: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Clinton, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clinton, IA | Davenport, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,881▲ | $50,570 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.87▲ | $24.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,096▲ | $40,847 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,248▲ | $49,156 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,508▲ | $62,394 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,991▲ | $74,821 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,240▲ |
Verdict
Clinton, IA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Davenport.
The salary gap between Clinton and Davenport is $5,311 (10.50%). Clinton's median is -0.03% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clinton spans $32,895,Davenport spans $33,974. Davenport has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Clinton ($61,815 effective) pays 8.89% more than Davenport ($56,770 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clinton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,881/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,991)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,815)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Clinton grew 17.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.7% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Clinton, IA
$45,808 (2024) → $53,737 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$36,930 (2019) → $48,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clinton, IA
Davenport, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Clinton or Davenport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clinton and Davenport?
Should I relocate from Clinton to Davenport as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Clinton vs Davenport?
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
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 James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov