Here is a comprehensive career guide for Accountants considering a move to Davenport, Iowa.

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Accountant Career Guide: Davenport, IA

Davenport isn't just another city on the map; it's the beating heart of the Quad Cities metro area. As a local, I’ve watched this place evolve from a gritty river town into a surprisingly diverse economic hub. For an accountant, Davenport offers a unique blend of Midwest affordability, stable corporate employment, and the accessibility of a small city. Forget the sprawling traffic of a major metropolis—here, you can get from a client meeting in the Scott County Government Center to your home in a quiet neighborhood in under 20 minutes.

This guide breaks down the reality of an accounting career here, using hard data and local insights to help you decide if this river city is your next professional home.

The Salary Picture: Where Davenport Stands

Let’s start with the numbers. The accounting profession in Davenport is stable, but it's important to understand the local market compared to national averages. While the Quad Cities has a robust industrial and healthcare backbone, salaries here reflect the region's lower cost of living.

The median salary for an accountant in Davenport is $83,316 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.06. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080, a typical trade-off for the significantly lower living expenses. The metro area supports approximately 200 accountant jobs, with a projected 10-year job growth of 4%. This growth is steady rather than explosive, indicating a mature, reliable market rather than a volatile boomtown.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Davenport scale with experience, though the jumps aren't as steep as in coastal markets. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Davenport)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $65,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, assisting with month-end close, basic tax prep.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$70,000 - $85,000	Full-cycle accounting, financial statement prep, payroll processing, some client management.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$85,000 - $110,000	Senior accountant, controller (in small firms), audit senior, tax manager. Supervises junior staff.
Expert/Manager	15+ years	$110,000+	Controller, CFO (small-to-mid size), Partner in a CPA firm, Senior Tax Manager.

Note: These ranges are based on local market data and the provided median salary. Specialized roles (e.g., forensic accounting, IT audit) may command premiums at the high end.

Comparison to Other Iowa Cities

Davenport is part of the Quad Cities metro (which also includes Bettendorf, IA; Rock Island, IL; and Moline, IL). When considering the broader Iowa landscape:

• Davenport vs. Des Moines: Des Moines, as the state capital and financial hub, typically offers higher salaries (often 10-15% more) but also a higher cost of living and more competition. Davenport provides a more relaxed lifestyle with comparable opportunities in healthcare and manufacturing.
• Davenport vs. Cedar Rapids: Salaries are very similar, though Cedar Rapids has a stronger focus on manufacturing and insurance (e.g., Rockwell Collins, Transamerica). Davenport’s healthcare sector (Genesis Health System) is a major employer that Cedar Rapids lacks at the same scale.
• Davenport vs. Iowa City: Iowa City (home to the University of Iowa) has a high concentration of non-profits and university-related accounting jobs, but the corporate sector is smaller. Salaries can be lower outside of the university system.

Insider Tip: Many accountants in Davenport work for firms that serve clients across the entire Quad Cities metro. Don't limit your job search to Davenport proper—Bettendorf has a higher concentration of corporate headquarters and may offer slightly higher pay for the same role.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $83,316 is a gross figure. To understand your real purchasing power in Davenport, let's break down the monthly budget for a single accountant. Iowa has a progressive state income tax, ranging from 3.9% to 6.5%.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Filer, No Dependents)

Category	Estimated Cost	Calculation/Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$6,943	$83,316 / 12
Federal Taxes	~$1,180	Based on 2023 single filer brackets (approx. 22% marginal).
State Taxes (IA)	~$420	Based on Iowa's 2023 tax brackets (approx. 6.5% marginal).
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)	~$531	7.65% of gross income.
Health Insurance (Est. Employee Share)	~$300	Varies by employer. This is a common premium contribution.
Net Monthly Income (Take-Home)	$4,512	This is your "in-hand" cash.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$773	The citywide average.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	-$150	Davenport's older housing stock can have higher heating costs in winter.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$350	Davenport is car-dependent; public transit is limited.
Groceries & Household	-$400
Discretionary Spending	-$1,500	Entertainment, dining, savings, travel.
Remaining / Savings Potential	$1,339

Conclusion: With a $1,339 monthly surplus, an accountant earning the median salary lives comfortably in Davenport. The key is the $773 average rent—this is a fraction of what you'd pay in a major metro. You are not "house poor."

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. The Davenport housing market is one of the most affordable in the nation for a metro of its size.

• Median Home Price: Approximately $160,000 - $180,000 (Zillow, Q2 2024).
• Estimated Mortgage Payment: With 10% down ($16,000), a 30-year fixed mortgage at 7% would be roughly $1,100/month (including taxes and insurance).
• Comparison to Rent: This is only about $300 more than the average $773 rent. Many accountants in their late 20s and early 30s are homeowners here.

Insider Tip: Property taxes in Iowa are relatively high, but the low home prices keep the monthly cost manageable. Always check the specific county (Scott County for Davenport) tax rates before buying.

Where the Jobs Are: Davenport's Major Employers

The Quad Cities economy is diverse, providing a buffer against industry-specific downturns. For an accountant, this means opportunities in corporate, healthcare, government, and non-profit sectors.

1. Genesis Health System: One of the largest employers in the region, with its main campus in Davenport. They have a large internal finance department for their multiple hospitals and clinics. Hiring trends are stable, with demand for cost accountants and financial analysts.
2. Deere & Company (John Deere): While the global headquarters is in Moline, IL (just across the river), the impact on Davenport is massive. Many Davenport residents work for Deere. The company hires accountants for its Harvester Works and Seeding Group facilities located in the Quad Cities area. These roles often involve cost accounting and financial planning for manufacturing.
3. Scott County Government: The county seat is in Davenport. Government accounting is a stable, pension-based career path. Jobs are posted on the Iowa County Jobs website. They need accountants for budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting.
4. RSM US LLP: This national accounting firm has a significant presence in the Quad Cities (with offices in both Davenport and Moline). It’s a major employer for public accounting, offering audit, tax, and consulting services. It’s a common starting point for CPAs looking to gain experience before moving into industry.
5. Davenport Community School District: The largest school district in the area. School district accounting is a specialized field, dealing with state funding formulas, bond issues, and grant management. It’s a stable government job with excellent benefits.
6. Cintas Corporation: The uniform and facility services giant has a major operational hub in Davenport. They have a large accounting team handling accounts payable, receivable, and financial reporting for the region.
7. Local CPA Firms: Davenport has a robust network of mid-size and small local CPA firms (e.g., Honkamp Krueger & Co., P.C., and others) that serve the small business community. These firms are always looking for staff accountants and offer a direct path to partnership.

Hiring Trends: The biggest trend is the steady demand for cost accountants due to the manufacturing base and healthcare financial analysts due to the hospital systems. There's also a growing need for accountants with some IT/systems knowledge to help with ERP implementations and data analysis.

Getting Licensed in Iowa

For those pursuing the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license, Iowa has clear requirements. The Iowa Board of Accountancy oversees the process.

Key Requirements & Costs

1. Education: 150 semester hours of college credit, with a Bachelor's degree and specific coursework in accounting and business. The University of Iowa and St. Ambrose University (in Davenport) have well-regarded programs that meet these requirements.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam. The exam fee is approximately $1,500 (varies by state). You can take the exam in Iowa; testing centers are available in the Quad Cities area.
3. Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Iowa-specific ethics exam (AICPA's Professional Ethics Exam).
5. Costs: Beyond the exam, budget for review courses ($1,500 - $3,000), application fees ($100), and initial licensing fees ($100).

Timeline to Get Started

• Months 1-6: Fulfill education requirements (if not already done). Enroll in a CPA review course.
• Months 7-18: Study for and pass the CPA Exam sections. This is the most variable part.
• Months 19-30: Gain the required 1,800 hours of work experience. You must have your experience verified by your supervising CPA.
• Month 31: Submit your application to the Iowa Board of Accountancy.

Insider Tip: Start your experience requirement before you finish the exam if possible. Many firms in Davenport (like RSM or local CPA firms) will hire you as an "Experienced Associate" while you complete your hours and exam, providing a clear career runway.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Davenport offers diverse living options, from historic riverfront districts to quiet, family-oriented suburbs. Your choice will depend on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Best For
The Village of East Davenport	Historic, walkable, trendy. Full of bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Commute to downtown or Genesis is 5-10 mins.	$850 - $1,100	Young professionals who want nightlife and walkability.
Northwest Davenport / Arlington Park	Quiet, residential, and affordable. Mix of older homes and apartments. Commute is easy via 53rd Street.	$650 - $800	Those seeking budget-friendly living with a quiet, suburban feel.
The Gold Coast / Interstate 80 Corridor	Newer apartment complexes, retail-focused (Target, Walmart). Very easy highway access for commuting to Bettendorf or Moline.	$750 - $900	Professionals who value modern amenities and a quick commute to corporate offices.
Downtown Davenport	Urban, revitalizing. Close to the RiverFront, Adler Theatre, and government buildings. Can be a mix of renovated lofts and older buildings.	$700 - $950	Those who work downtown and want to eliminate a commute.
Bettendorf (Adjacent City)	Technically a separate city, but part of the metro. More corporate, newer, and higher-end. Commute to Davenport is 10-15 mins across the bridge.	$800 - $1,200	Accountants working for corporate HQs (like John Deere's offices) who want a polished, family-friendly environment.

Commute Insight: Traffic in the Quad Cities is minimal. A 15-minute commute is standard, regardless of where you live. The bridges connecting Davenport to Rock Island and Bettendorf are the main choke points, but even during rush hour, delays are rarely more than 10-15 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Davenport, career growth is more about specialization and moving into management than rapid job-hopping.

• Specialty Premiums: Accountants with niche skills can command higher salaries. Cost accounting (for manufacturing) and healthcare revenue cycle expertise can add a 10-15% premium to the median salary. IT audit or data analytics skills are increasingly valuable and can push you toward the $110,000+ range.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from staff accountant to senior, then to controller or CFO in a small-to-mid-sized company. In public accounting, the path is staff to senior to manager to partner. For those in government, advancement is based on civil service exams and tenure.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is modest but stable. The outlook is positive for those who embrace technology. Automation is handling routine bookkeeping, so the future is for accountants who can provide analysis, strategic planning, and business partnership. The aging workforce in the region also means there will be opportunities for succession in local CPA firms and family-owned businesses.

10-Year Career Trajectory Table

Year 1-3 (Entry)	Year 4-7 (Mid)	Year 8-10 (Senior)
Staff Accountant ($55k-$65k)	Senior Accountant / Accountant II ($70k-$85k)	Controller / Senior Manager ($110k+)
Learn local GAAP & industry standards	Manage month-end close, supervise interns	Strategic financial planning, lead teams
Build network at local CPA events	Obtain CPA license (if not yet)	Mentor junior staff, join industry boards

The Verdict: Is Davenport Right for You?

Davenport is a pragmatic choice for an accountant who values stability, affordability, and work-life balance. It's not the place for someone seeking the high-energy, high-salary environment of a Wall Street or Silicon Valley. It is, however, an excellent place to build a solid, comfortable career and life.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further.	Lower Salary Ceiling: Top-end pay is below national averages.
Stable Job Market: Diverse industries (healthcare, manufacturing, government).	Limited High-Finance Roles: Few opportunities in investment banking or venture capital.
Short Commutes: Minimal traffic, easy access to everything.	Car-Dependent: Public transportation is not robust.
Strong Community: Easy to network and build relationships.	Can Feel "Small": Cultural and dining options are good but not vast.
Homeownership is Attainable: A major financial milestone is within reach.	Weather: Winters are cold and gray; summers are hot and humid.

Final Recommendation: Davenport is a strong "Yes" for accountants who are in the early to mid-stages of their career, want to buy a home, and prefer a community-oriented lifestyle over a cutthroat corporate ladder. It's particularly well-suited for those interested in cost accounting, healthcare finance, or public accounting in a setting where you can truly get to know your clients.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Davenport?
Yes. While the downtown core is walkable, the vast majority of residential areas, shopping centers, and employer campuses are spread out. The public bus system (Davenport CitiBus) exists but is not comprehensive for daily commuting. Budget for a reliable vehicle and car insurance.

2. Is the Quad Cities job market only for CPAs?
No. While the CPA license is highly valued and provides a clear path to higher earnings, there are many solid roles for accountants without a CPA. Staff accountants, bookkeepers, and financial analysts are in demand, especially in corporate and healthcare settings. However, for senior management and public accounting partnership, the CPA is typically required.

3. What is the professional networking scene like?
It's active but not overwhelming. The Quad Cities Chapter of the Iowa Society of CPAs holds regular events, which are the best place to meet other professionals. Many local firms also host CPE events. It's a tight-knit community where your reputation matters.

**4. How does the cost of living