Ames vs Davenport: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Ames, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Davenport, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,100▲ | $70,648 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.59▲ | $33.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,529▲ | $48,933 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,516▲ | $63,609 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,768▲ | $81,428 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,673 | $94,094▲ |
| Total Employed | 150 | 690▲ |
Verdict
Ames and Davenport are closely matched on overall police officer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Ames and Davenport is $5,452 (7.72%). Ames's median is -3.11% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $34,144,Davenport spans $45,161. Davenport has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ames ($85,669 effective) pays 8.02% more than Davenport ($79,309 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,100/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,669)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,094)
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Ames grew 10.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.3% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Ames, IA
$66,990 (2019) → $73,840 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$61,050 (2019) → $68,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Ames or Davenport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Davenport?
Should I relocate from Ames to Davenport as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Ames vs Davenport?
Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov