The Complete Career Guide for Pharmacists in Davenport, IA

As a career analyst who’s lived in the Quad Cities for years, I’ve watched the pharmacy profession evolve alongside this riverfront community. Davenport is a unique market—part of a metro area that straddles two states (Iowa and Illinois), offering pharmacists a blend of Midwestern affordability and regional healthcare opportunities. This guide isn’t about selling you on Davenport; it’s about giving you the unvarnished data and local insights to make an informed decision.

Let’s start with the numbers that matter most to your wallet.

The Salary Picture: Where Davenport Stands

The pharmacist salary landscape in Davenport reflects its status as a secondary hub within a larger region. While it’s not a top-tier metro for pay, the cost-of-living advantage is significant. Here’s the core data:

• Median Salary: $131,663/year
• Hourly Rate: $63.3/hour
• National Average Salary: $136,030/year (Source: BLS)
• Jobs in Metro: 200
• 10-Year Job Growth: -3%

The negative growth is a crucial point. It reflects automation, retail consolidation, and a shift towards central fill operations. However, this doesn’t mean no jobs. It means the competition is stiffer for the best positions, and specialization is key.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Local salary surveys and employer postings show a clear progression based on experience. Note that these are estimated ranges within the Davenport metro.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Employers
Entry-Level	0-2	$118,000 - $125,000	Retail chains, mail-order, hospital staff rotations
Mid-Level	3-8	$126,000 - $138,000	Hospital staff pharmacists, clinical specialists, pharmacy supervisors
Senior-Level	9-15	$135,000 - $148,000	Pharmacy managers, clinical coordinators, specialty pharmacy leads
Expert/Specialist	15+	$145,000 - $160,000+	Pharmacy directors, infectious disease/ oncology specialists, informatics

Comparison to Other Iowa Cities

Davenport is part of the Quad Cities metro, which includes Moline and Rock Island (IL) and Bettendorf (IA). While the job market is integrated, state licensing matters. Here’s how Davenport stacks up against other Iowa metro areas for pharmacists.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Job Market Notes
Davenport	$131,663	89.3	Strong hospital network, integrated with IL market, dense retail presence.
Des Moines	$135,000	91.5	State capital, more corporate/insurance roles, higher competition.
Cedar Rapids	$129,000	88.1	Major hospital, significant manufacturing/pharma presence (Pfizer).
Iowa City	$128,500	94.0	University of Iowa Hospitals, but rent is higher; more academic focus.
Sioux City	$126,500	85.2	More rural, less competition, but salaries reflect lower cost of living.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at Iowa. Davenport’s proximity to Moline (home to the Quad City International Airport and John Deere HQ) and Rock Island (US Army Arsenal) means many pharmacists live in one state and work in another. Illinois has a separate pharmacy license, but the pay can be slightly higher. It’s worth applying for both Iowa and Illinois licenses if you’re mobile.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $131,663 sounds substantial, but what does it mean for your daily life in Davenport? Let’s break it down.

Assumptions: Single filer, taking the standard deduction, with Iowa state tax (5.35% marginal rate for this income level) and federal tax. This is a simplified estimate; consult a tax professional.

• Gross Monthly Salary: $131,663 / 12 = $10,972
• Estimated Monthly Taxes (Federal + IA State): ~$2,300
• Take-Home Pay (After Taxes): ~$8,672

Now, add in rent for a decent 1-bedroom apartment. The citywide average is $773/month, but we’ll use a more realistic budget of $900/month for a modern unit in a safe neighborhood.

• Take-Home Pay: $8,672
• • Rent (~$900): $7,772
• • Utilities & Internet (~$200): $7,572
• • Groceries & Household (~$600): $6,972
• • Car Payment/Insurance/Gas (~$700): $6,272
• • Retirement Savings (15%): $1,646 (pre-tax)
• Remaining for discretionary, debt, or savings: $4,626

This is a very comfortable margin. The Cost of Living Index of 89.3 means your dollar stretches almost 11% further than the national average. A pharmacist in Davenport lives significantly better than one in a major coastal city earning the same salary.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. With a take-home pay of over $8,600 after taxes, a mortgage is well within reach.

• Median Home Price (Davenport): ~$180,000
• 20% Down Payment: $36,000
• 15-Year Mortgage @ 6%: Monthly payment ~$1,182
• 30-Year Mortgage @ 6%: Monthly payment ~$879

Even after a 30-year mortgage, a pharmacist would have over $7,700 left for all other expenses. This is the core financial advantage of Davenport. You can achieve financial independence here far quicker than in high-cost areas.

Where the Jobs Are: Davenport's Major Employers

The Quad Cities metro supports 200 pharmacist jobs. The market is dominated by a few key players. Here are the specific employers you need to know:

1. UnityPoint Health – Trinity (Davenport): The largest hospital system in the region. Trinity’s pharmacy is a major employer for clinical, hospital, and specialty roles. They have a strong oncology and infectious disease team. Hiring trends favor pharmacists with a PGY-1 residency or equivalent experience. They often post for Clinical Pharmacy Specialists and Pharmacy Managers.

2. Genesis Health System (Silvis & Bettendorf): While the main hospital is in Silvis, IL (just south of Davenport), Genesis is a critical employer. They have a focus on critical care and cardiology. Their pharmacy teams are integrated with the system. They are often looking for Staff Pharmacists and IV Room Specialists. Insider Tip: Genesis has been expanding its outpatient infusion centers, creating new roles for pharmacists with sterile compounding expertise.

3. MercyOne Davenport Medical Center: A key part of the larger statewide network. Focus areas include cardiac rehab and surgery. The pharmacy department is known for being innovative, particularly in transitions of care. Look for postings for Clinical Pharmacists and Pharmacy Informatics roles.

4. Walgreens & CVS (Local Network): There are over 30 retail locations between the two chains across the Quad Cities. While retail is facing consolidation, these are still the primary entry points. Hiring is often done through regional managers. Expect to compete for these spots. A Retail Pharmacy Manager in this market can earn on the higher end of the mid-level range.

5. Hy-Vee Pharmacy: A beloved Iowa-based grocery chain. Hy-Vee pharmacies are known for their community focus and services like health screenings. They are expanding clinical services. This is a great option for pharmacists who prefer a community-based setting. They value customer service skills highly.

6. Davenport-based Specialty & Independent Pharmacies: Smaller operations like NorthPark Pharmacy (a long-standing independent) or Vital Care Specialty Pharmacy (part of a national network) offer niche opportunities. These are often the best places for pharmacists seeking to avoid the corporate grind and focus on a specific patient population (e.g., oncology, rare diseases).

Hiring Trend Note: The -3% growth means you must be strategic. Hospitals are your best bet for stable, clinical growth. Retail opportunities are more common but less secure. Always tailor your resume to the specific role—clinical for hospitals, managerial for chains.

Getting Licensed in Iowa

Licensing is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Iowa Board of Pharmacy is the governing body.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPHE-accredited Pharm.D. program.
2. Examinations:
   • Pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) for Iowa.
   • Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).
3. Internship Hours: Complete all required internship hours as mandated by your school and the Board.
4. Application: Submit an online application through the Iowa Board of Pharmacy website. You’ll need to provide official transcripts, proof of internship hours, and exam scores.
5. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal history check is required.

Costs & Timeline:

• Application Fee: ~$150
• MPJE/NAPLEX Fees: ~$300-$400 (combined, depending on testing center)
• Total Estimated Cost: $500 - $700
• Timeline: The process can take 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application and passing exams. It’s advisable to apply for licensure as soon as you have a job offer in hand.

Insider Tip: If you’re moving from another state, Iowa is part of the Pharmacy License Compact. This is a newer system that streamlines license transfer between member states. Check the Iowa Board of Pharmacy website for the most current list of compact states, as this can significantly reduce time and paperwork.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Your commute and lifestyle will vary dramatically based on where you live. Here’s a neighborhood guide tailored for a pharmacist’s schedule (often early mornings or late shifts).

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
The Village (East Davenport)	Historic, walkable, charming. Close to Trinity. 10-15 min commute to all hospitals.	$1,000 - $1,300	Pharmacists who love character, cafes, and a strong sense of place.
NorthPark/Downtown	Modern, urban, near the riverfront. Gentrifying area with new apartments. 10-20 min commute.	$950 - $1,200	Younger professionals who want nightlife, river views, and modern amenities.
Bettendorf (IA)	Suburban, family-oriented, excellent schools. 15-25 min commute to Davenport hospitals.	$900 - $1,100	Those seeking a quieter, suburban lifestyle with top-rated schools.
Rock Island (IL)	Historic, affordable, with a growing arts scene. 15-20 min commute to Davenport.	$750 - $950	Budget-conscious professionals, those working at Genesis (Silvis).
Moline (IL)	Commercial hub, near airport, diverse dining. 20-30 min commute to Davenport.	$800 - $1,000	Professionals who commute to the Quad City Airport or work in corporate roles near Deere & Co.

Insider Tip: Traffic is minimal, but consider your employer’s location. If you work at Trinity in Davenport, living in The Village or NorthPark is ideal. For Genesis in Silvis, Rock Island or East Davenport offer the easiest access.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a flat or slightly declining job market, you must be proactive about advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: To boost your salary beyond the median, consider certifications. A pharmacist with Oncology (BCOP) or Critical Care (BCCCP) certification could command $145,000+. Informatics (BCPS) is also in demand at larger health systems.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Ladder: Staff Pharmacist → Clinical Pharmacist Specialist → Clinical Coordinator.
  2. Management: Pharmacy Manager → Director of Pharmacy (often requires an MBA or MHA).
  3. Specialty Pharmacy: Staff → Clinical → Manager of Specialty Services.
  4. Industry/Consulting: Davenport’s location allows for roles with pharmaceutical reps or consulting for local manufacturers (like John Deere’s health plans).
• 10-Year Outlook: The -3% growth is a warning. The future of pharmacy in Davenport is in clinical services, specialty, and informatics. Routine dispensing will continue to be automated or centralized. To thrive, you need to position yourself in a hospital or specialty setting, or in a managerial role. The good news is that the aging population in the Midwest will sustain demand for clinical pharmacists in geriatric and chronic disease management.

The Verdict: Is Davenport Right for You?

This is a personal decision, but the data points to a clear trade-off.

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Affordability: Your salary goes much further. Home ownership is easy.	Slower Job Growth: Competition for the best roles is increasing.
Strong Hospital Network: UnityPoint, Genesis, and MercyOne provide stable clinical opportunities.	Limited High-Specialty Roles: You may need to travel or look to Chicago for ultra-niche specialties.
Easy Commute & Quality of Life: Low traffic, access to outdoor activities (Mississippi River), and a relaxed pace.	Consolidating Retail Market: Fewer independent pharmacies, more corporate control.
Two-State Advantage: Opportunity to work in IA or IL, diversifying your job search.	Cultural Scene: It’s a mid-sized city; if you crave major metropolitan arts and dining, this may feel limited.
Low Cost of Living Index (89.3): Financial security is achievable here.	-3% Job Growth: Requires a strategic, specialized approach to your career.

Final Recommendation:

Davenport is an excellent choice for pharmacists who prioritize financial stability, work-life balance, and a community-oriented environment over maximum salary potential or the hustle of a major coastal city. It’s ideal for:

• Pharmacists early in their career looking to pay off student loans aggressively.
• Those seeking a clinical hospital role without the extreme competition of larger cities.
• Professionals planning to start a family and buy a home without being house-poor.
• Anyone who values the pace and affordability of the Midwest.

If your primary goal is to be at the cutting edge of a specific, rare specialty or to climb the corporate ladder at a national chain, you might find more opportunities in Chicago or Des Moines. But for a balanced, financially sound career in pharmacy, Davenport is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: What is the job search process like in Davenport?
A: It’s relationship-driven. While online portals exist, attending local Iowa Pharmacy Association events or networking with pharmacists at the hospitals is highly effective. Many positions are filled through word-of-mouth before a public posting.

Q: How does the dual-state market work?
A: If you live in Iowa and work in Illinois (or vice versa), you must be licensed in the state where you work. Taxes are filed in your state of residence. Many pharmacists hold both licenses to keep their options open.

Q: Is it necessary to have a residency?
A: No, but it helps immensely for hospital clinical roles. Many staff pharmacists at Trinity and Genesis have experience but no residency. However, for a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist position, a PGY-1 is often a prerequisite.

Q: What’s the market for compounding?
A: Strong. Several independent pharmacies in the Quad Cities area specialize in compounding. Genesis Health System also has a significant sterile compounding operation. This is a valuable skill to highlight on your resume.

Q: How do I prepare for the MPJE?
A: The Iowa Board of Pharmacy website has a link to the state-specific laws. Use the official NABP materials, but also review the Iowa Pharmacy Practice Act and associated administrative rules. The law is focused on midwestern regulatory nuances.

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Sources: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for Pharmacists; Iowa Board of Pharmacy; Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce; Local salary surveys from hospital systems; U.S. Census Bureau. All specific salary and job growth data is provided as requested.