Davenport vs Ottumwa: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Davenport, IA and Ottumwa, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Ottumwa, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,532▲ | $43,043 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.85▲ | $20.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,704 | $37,303▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,823▲ | $38,049 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,676▲ | $45,941 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,386▲ | $54,238 |
| Total Employed | 550▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ottumwa.
The salary gap between Davenport and Ottumwa is $4,489 (10.43%). Davenport's median is -1.47% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $17,682,Ottumwa spans $16,935. Davenport 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, Davenport ($53,359 effective) pays 12.07% more than Ottumwa ($47,614 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 ($47,532/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,386)
- ✓Larger job market (550 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,359)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Ottumwa if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Davenport grew 52.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.3% growth in Ottumwa over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$29,630 (2019) → $45,080 (2025)
Ottumwa, IA
$33,644 (2024) → $40,822 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Ottumwa, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% 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 Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov