Davenport vs Mason City: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Davenport, IA and Mason City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Mason City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,570 | $56,379▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.31 | $27.11▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,847 | $42,741▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,156 | $49,631▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,394 | $64,632▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,821 | $77,723▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,240▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Mason City, IA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Davenport.
The salary gap between Davenport and Mason City is $5,809 (11.49%). Mason City's median is +0.87% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $33,974,Mason City spans $34,982. Mason City 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, Mason City ($62,366 effective) pays 9.86% 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 Davenport if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Mason City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,379/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,723)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,366)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Davenport grew 31.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.3% growth in Mason City over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$36,930 (2019) → $48,630 (2025)
Mason City, IA
$46,217 (2024) → $54,216 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Mason City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Davenport or Mason City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Mason City?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Mason City as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Davenport vs Mason City?
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