Davenport vs West Des Moines: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Davenport, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,157▲ | $129,801 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.94▲ | $62.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,551▲ | $75,284 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,752▲ | $93,457 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,561▲ | $166,146 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,704▲ | $188,777 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Des Moines.
The salary gap between Davenport and West Des Moines is $7,356 (5.67%). Davenport's median is -9.70% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $120,153,West Des Moines spans $113,493. 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 ($151,722 effective) pays 5.67% more than West Des Moines ($143,585 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 ($137,157/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($199,704)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,722)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Davenport grew 11.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$119,482 (2024) → $133,720 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$113,075 (2024) → $126,549 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Davenport or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Davenport to West Des Moines as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Davenport vs West Des Moines?
Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% 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, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov