Davenport vs Des Moines: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Davenport, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,685 | $49,859▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.93 | $23.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,668▲ | $31,406 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,419 | $38,024▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,859▲ | $63,819 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,550▲ | $77,281 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 44 |
Verdict
Davenport and Des Moines are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Davenport and Des Moines is $2,174 (4.56%). Des Moines's median is -7.02% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $71,882,Des Moines spans $45,875. 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, Des Moines ($55,154 effective) pays 3.03% more than Davenport ($53,531 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,550)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,859/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,154)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Davenport grew -42.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.4% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$81,810 (2019) → $46,980 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$47,030 (2019) → $49,122 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Davenport or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Des Moines as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Davenport vs Des Moines?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov