Average Civil Engineers Salary in Ames, IA
Civil Engineers in Ames, IA, can expect an average annual salary of $97,910. This figure is slightly below the national average of $106,590, suggesting that while Ames offers a competitive environment, specific local economic factors and project demands may influence compensation. The concentration of civil engineering roles in Ames, however, indicates a specialized demand within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $97,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $123,100.
- Outlook: Ames, IA, presents a robust job market for Civil Engineers, evidenced by a total local workforce of 270 professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.09 significantly surpasses the national average, indicating a higher concentration of civil engineering jobs relative to the general workforce in Ames compared to the rest of the country. This suggests strong local demand and a potentially stable job outlook for skilled engineers in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Civil Engineers in Ames, IA earns-8.1%below the national average.
$47.1
$1,883
$8,159
Civil Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Ames, IA, is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that civil engineering salaries in the region have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as infrastructure investment, population growth, and increased project complexity typically drive up demand and, consequently, compensation for experienced professionals in this field.
Civil Engineers Salary Distribution in Ames, IA
The career trajectory for Civil Engineers in Ames, IA, typically shows a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start around the lower percentiles, while senior engineers with extensive project management and design expertise can command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight the substantial earning potential and career progression available within the field as professionals gain specialized skills and leadership responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $66,350 | $31.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $73,433 | $35.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $101,290 | $48.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $122,388 | $58.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $123,100 | $59.2 |
Detailed Civil Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$97,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$97,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $97,910 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, Civil Engineers in Ames, IA, find their nominal earnings directly align with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of their salary in Ames is comparable to the national average, making it a stable financial choice for relocation without significant adjustments needed for daily expenses.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
4.811
Per 1K Jobs
2.09
Location Quotient
Ames, IA has 2.1x the national concentration of Civil Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 2.09 for Civil Engineers in Ames, IA, signifies a market where these professionals are more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This indicates a high demand for civil engineering expertise relative to the size of the local economy, suggesting a competitive but potentially rewarding environment for job seekers and a strong presence of specialized engineering firms.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $101,180↑ 3% | 21 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $91,250↓ 7% | 21 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $94,210↓ 4% | 21 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $102,370↑ 5% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Civil Engineers Salary | $97,420↓ 1% | 31 mi |
Comparing salaries near Ames, IA
Hiring Civil Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Civil Engineers make in Ames, IA?
The median annual salary for a Civil Engineers in Ames, IA is $97,910. This typically ranges from $66,350 for entry-level positions to $123,100 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 8.1% lower than the national median of $106,590.
Is Ames, IA a lucrative place for Civil Engineers?
Yes, Ames, IA offers a competitive environment for Civil Engineers.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the high concentration of civil engineering jobs (LQ of 2.09) and a cost of living that matches the national average indicates strong local demand and stable purchasing power.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Civil Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Ames, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Ames, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area ($101,180) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Ames, IA Civil Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Civil Engineers in Ames, IA, is $97,910, which is slightly lower than the national average of $106,590.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Civil Engineers in Ames, IA?
An LQ of 2.09 means that Civil Engineers are more than twice as concentrated in Ames, IA, compared to the national average, indicating a strong local demand for this profession.
How does the Cost of Living in Ames, IA, affect the Civil Engineer salary?
Ames, IA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means the $97,910 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the size of the local workforce suggest about Civil Engineer jobs in Ames, IA?
With 270 Civil Engineers in the local workforce, Ames, IA, supports a significant number of professionals in this field, further emphasizing the specialized demand indicated by the high Location Quotient.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 4.811 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Civil Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Ames, IA