Are you considering a civil engineering career in Iowa, or looking to benchmark your current compensation?
We have conducted a comprehensive analysis of 747 civil engineering positions across Iowa to provide insights into the civil engineering compensation landscape. This article details the Civil Engineer Salary in Iowa and civil engineer wage for 2025, exploring how much civil engineers make and the key factors that influence compensation as revealed by the data.
Average Civil Engineer Salary in Iowa
The median civil engineer salary in Iowa is $102,500 USD per year or $49.28 USD per hour. This figure provides insight into how much civil engineers make in Iowa and serves as a benchmark for engineering salaries in the state.
Salary Range Overview
Table of Contents
Educational Level
The data reveals that while a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for most positions, pursuing a master’s degree can lead to significantly higher compensation. Here’s where it gets interesting – master’s degree holders earn approximately 6% more than those with a civil engineering degree at the bachelor’s level, but the real story lies in the career trajectory this advanced education opens up.
Education Requirements Distribution
Civil engineering positions in Iowa predominantly require a bachelor’s degree, with over 84% of positions listing this as the minimum requirement. However, those with advanced degrees often find themselves fast-tracked into senior roles and specialized positions that command premium salaries.
Years of Experience
| Years of Experience | Percentage of Jobs | Number of Positions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 16.01% | 69 |
| 2 years | 20.88% | 90 |
| 3 years | 29.47% | 127 |
| 4 years | 11.83% | 51 |
| 5 years | 21.81% | 94 |
Civil Engineer Salary by Years of Experience
The data shows a significant salary acceleration between years 2 and 3, where civil engineers see their compensation increase by over 8%. This suggests that the transition from junior to intermediate level represents a critical career milestone for civil engineers in Iowa, significantly impacting how much a civil engineer makes as they gain relevant work experience.
But what if you’re already at the median? The most dramatic growth happens early in your career – by year 3, you’re likely to see a substantial jump that reflects your growing expertise in areas like project management, design software proficiency, and client interaction skills.
Seniority Level
The progression from internship to senior level represents a 165% increase in compensation, highlighting the value of experience and leadership capabilities in the civil engineering field. This data provides insights into the potential for career advancement and salary growth in the profession, including roles such as project engineer, design engineer, and engineering manager.
We know career advancement can feel overwhelming… but these numbers tell a powerful story about the earning potential in Iowa’s civil engineering market. The jump from entry-level to senior positions isn’t just about time served – it’s about developing expertise in specialized areas like structural design, environmental compliance, and infrastructure planning, as well as honing organizational skills crucial for project management.
Work Arrangement
| Work Arrangement | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Number of Positions |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | $111,992 | 122 |
| Onsite | $105,785 | 612 |
| Remote | $105,336 | 13 |
Interestingly, hybrid positions command the highest salaries in Iowa’s civil engineering market, likely reflecting the premium companies pay for professionals who can effectively manage both office-based design work and field operations.
Location
While our analysis included positions across various locations, here’s what stood out for Iowa-specific opportunities:
| City | Average of annual_salary_usd | Average of hourly_salary_usd |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux City | $182371.5 | $87.68 |
| Waterloo | $144166.6667 | $69.31333333 |
| Ames | $136243.2033 | $65.50333333 |
| Muscatine | $126450 | $60.79 |
| Keokuk | $125000 | $60.1 |
| Dubuque | $123836.25 | $59.5375 |
| Des Moines | $119401.0405 | $57.40432432 |
| West Des Moines | $110136.5 | $52.95 |
| Council Bluffs | $110020.1175 | $52.8925 |
| Humboldt | $108582 | $52.2 |
| Cedar Rapids | $106289.781 | $51.10047619 |
| Ankeny | $106250 | $51.08 |
| Bettendorf | $106136.4286 | $51.02857143 |
| Davenport | $105224.3333 | $50.58833333 |
| Coralville | $105040 | $50.5 |
Other Iowa cities showing strong compensation include Sioux City, with Watterloo and Ames behind.
Top Paying Companies in Iowa
Here are the companies that consistently offer above-average salaries for civil engineers in Iowa, representing some of the highest paying civil engineering jobs in the state:
Highest Paying Employers
| Canonical Name | Average Annual Salary | Average of Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Benesch | $205000 | $98.56 |
| Global Recruiters of Pella (GRN) | $175000 | $84.13 |
| Salas O’Brien | $147500 | $70.91 |
| HNTB | $129729.61 | $62.37 |
| IMEG | $129500 | $62.26 |
| HDR | $128182.55 | $61.625 |
| AECOM | $127600 | $61.348 |
| Felsburg Holt & Ullevig | $127500 | $61.29666667 |
| Fluor | $127500 | $61.3 |
| Stanley Consultants | $126450 | $60.79 |
| SEH | $125495 | $60.3325 |
| City of Council Bluffs | $125080.47 | $60.13 |
| Prairie Engineers | $125000 | $60.1 |
| Michael Baker International | $121800.25 | $58.56 |
| Jobot | $115000 | $55.286 |
These organizations span diverse industry sectors including technology, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and engineering consultancies, indicating strong demand for civil engineering expertise across multiple industries. Benesch stands out as a particularly relevant employer for civil engineers in Iowa, creating spaces, providing connections and improving infrastructure to enhance mobility, sustainability and safety in communities while being deeply rooted in the state’s agricultural and manufacturing economy.
How to Maximize Your Civil Engineer Salary Potential
Based on our comprehensive data analysis, we recommend the following strategies to optimize your civil engineering compensation in Iowa:
- Pursue Strategic Advanced Education – While a bachelor’s degree opens doors, a master’s degree can increase your earning potential by 6% and opens pathways to specialized roles
- Focus on the 2-3 Year Experience Mark – The most significant salary increase occurs at this career stage, so position yourself for advancement
- Develop Leadership and Project Management Skills – Progression to senior and management roles offers the highest compensation potential
- Consider Hybrid Work Arrangements – These positions currently command premium compensation in Iowa
- Obtain Professional Certifications – P.E. designation and specialized certifications can significantly boost earning potential
Key Skills to Develop
Explore our detailed article on the Civil Engineering Skills Required in 2025
Future Trends in Civil Engineering Salaries
Iowa’s infrastructure currently receives a “C” grade overall, with significant investment needs across roads, bridges, and water systems. This creates substantial opportunities for civil engineers in the coming years.
The civil engineering field in Iowa continues to evolve, with increasing focus on:
- Infrastructure Resilience: Iowa has had more disaster declarations due to flooding than any other state over the past 70 years, creating demand for engineers specializing in climate-resilient design
- Bridge and Road Modernization: Approximately 19% of Iowa’s bridges are in poor condition, with 4,569 bridges owned by local governments needing attention
- Water Infrastructure: Public water systems need additional revenue for maintenance, expansion, and advanced treatment facilities
- Digital Technology Integration: BIM technology, digital twins, and advanced project management systems are revolutionizing project delivery
- Nonresidential Building Construction: Growing demand for commercial and industrial structures creates opportunities for civil engineers in this sector
Engineers who develop expertise in these emerging areas are likely to command premium salaries as Iowa invests in infrastructure modernization and climate adaptation.
Understanding Iowa’s Infrastructure Investment Climate
The 2021 federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has provided $2.4 billion to Iowa, including $316 million for Missouri River navigation improvements. However, this federal funding is temporary, creating ongoing opportunities for civil engineers who can help maximize the impact of these investments.
Here’s what makes Iowa unique: The state’s position between major river systems, combined with its agricultural economy and manufacturing base, creates diverse opportunities for civil engineers across transportation, water resources, and industrial infrastructure projects.
Conclusion
The civil engineering profession offers strong earning potential across Iowa, with the median civil engineer salary reaching $102,500 USD annually. While education provides a foundation, experience and specialization significantly influence salary levels. Location choices, work arrangements, and industry selection have equally important impacts on total compensation.
For civil engineers looking to maximize their earning potential, a strategic approach combining technical skill development, professional certification, and leadership capabilities is essential. Understanding salary trends and market dynamics will help you negotiate competitive compensation packages and advance your career effectively.
The combination of federal infrastructure investment, aging infrastructure needs, and emerging technology adoption creates a favorable environment for civil engineering professionals in Iowa through 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re just starting your civil engineering career or looking to take the next step, Iowa offers a robust market for growth and professional development in the field.
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