PT Assistant Salary

Bettendorf vs Davenport: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Bettendorf, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bettendorf, IA
$59,702
$28.70/hr
Davenport, IA
$62,799
$30.19/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBettendorf, IADavenport, IA
Median Salary$59,702$62,799
Hourly Rate$28.70$30.19
Entry Level (P10)$44,181$45,068
25th Percentile$53,463$59,830
75th Percentile$69,171$78,434
Top Earner (P90)$77,570$96,155
Total Employed10140
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bettendorf ($59,702) and Davenport ($62,799) physical therapist assistant salaries.BettendorfDavenportMedian Salary$59,702$62,799Entry Level (P10)$44,181$45,068Top Earner (P90)$77,570$96,155US Median $70,247

Verdict

Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bettendorf.

The salary gap between Bettendorf and Davenport is $3,097 (5.19%). Davenport's median is -10.60% compared to the US national median of $70,247.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bettendorf spans $33,389,Davenport spans $51,087. Davenport has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.

Bettendorf
P10 (Entry)$44,181
P25$53,463
Median$59,702
P75$69,171
P90 (Top)$77,570
Davenport
P10 (Entry)$45,068
P25$59,830
Median$62,799
P75$78,434
P90 (Top)$96,155

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Davenport ($70,498 effective) pays 6.75% more than Bettendorf ($66,042 effective).

Bettendorf
Nominal: $59,702
CoL Index: 90.4
Adjusted: $66,042
Davenport
Nominal: $62,799
CoL Index: 89.079
Adjusted: $70,498

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bettendorf if…

  • You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle

Choose Davenport if…

  • Higher median salary ($62,799/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($96,155)
  • Larger job market (140 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,498)
  • You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Bettendorf grew 12.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.5% growth in Davenport over the same period.

Bettendorf, IA

+12.1%

$51,819 (2024) → $58,115 (2025)

Davenport, IA

+12.5%

$54,320 (2019) → $61,130 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Bettendorf or Davenport?

Davenport has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $62,799/year, compared to Bettendorf at $59,702/year — a difference of $3,097 (5.19%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bettendorf and Davenport?

Bettendorf physical therapist assistants earn $28.70/hr while Davenport hygienists earn $30.19/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bettendorf to Davenport as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bettendorf and Davenport. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bettendorf = $66,042, Davenport = $70,498), job availability (10 vs 140 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Bettendorf vs Davenport?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $44,181 in Bettendorf and $45,068 in Davenport. The Davenport area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, DPT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, PTAData verified by Ahmed Khan, DPT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov