Average Civil Engineers Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
Civil Engineers in Cedar Rapids, IA, can expect an average annual salary of $96,470. This figure is slightly below the national average of $106,590, a common occurrence in markets where local economic factors and industry demand play a significant role in compensation. While Cedar Rapids may not match the highest national pay scales, it offers a stable environment for engineering professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $96,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $138,980.
- Outlook: The job market for Civil Engineers in Cedar Rapids, IA, appears stable, with a local workforce of 310 professionals. The location quotient of 0.97 suggests a concentration of civil engineering roles that is very close to the national average, indicating a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these skills within the region. The presence of 2.235 jobs per 1,000 workers further solidifies this outlook, pointing to a steady employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Civil Engineers in Cedar Rapids, IA earns-9.5%below the national average.
$46.4
$1,855
$8,039
Civil Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Cedar Rapids is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Civil Engineer salaries in the area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development, infrastructure projects, and inflation typically drive an upward trajectory in compensation for skilled professionals like civil engineers, ensuring that their earning potential keeps pace with the evolving economic landscape.
Civil Engineers Salary Distribution in Cedar Rapids, IA
Career progression for Civil Engineers in Cedar Rapids, IA, is typically marked by significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions might start at a lower percentile, but as engineers gain expertise, acquire professional licenses, and take on more complex projects, their salaries can ascend to higher percentiles. This upward mobility is a key indicator of career growth and specialization within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $64,040 | $30.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $72,353 | $34.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $92,460 | $44.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $120,588 | $58 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $138,980 | $66.8 |
Detailed Civil Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$96,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$96,470
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $96,470 in Cedar Rapids, IA, holds considerable purchasing power due to the local Cost of Living Index being exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the salary earned by Civil Engineers in Cedar Rapids offers a lifestyle equivalent to the national average, making it a financially sound location for those considering a move or establishing their careers.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
2.235
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Cedar Rapids, IA has 0.97x the national average concentration of Civil Engineers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.97, Cedar Rapids, IA, presents a job market for Civil Engineers that is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where demand and supply are relatively stable. While not an area of exceptionally high concentration, it indicates a consistent need for civil engineering expertise without being overly saturated, offering a competitive yet accessible environment for professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA Civil Engineers Salary | $97,040↑ 1% | 23 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Civil Engineers Salary | $92,740↓ 4% | 50 mi |
| Dubuque, IA Civil Engineers Salary | $93,880↓ 3% | 62 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Civil Engineers Salary | $100,170↑ 4% | 62 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $101,180↑ 5% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Cedar Rapids, IA
Hiring Civil Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Civil Engineers make in Cedar Rapids, IA?
The median annual salary for a Civil Engineers in Cedar Rapids, IA is $96,470. This typically ranges from $64,040 for entry-level positions to $138,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Cedar Rapids, IA is 9.5% lower than the national median of $106,590.
Is Cedar Rapids, IA a lucrative place for Civil Engineers?
Yes, it offers good value for Civil Engineers.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have strong purchasing power. The stable job market further supports its appeal.
Is Cedar Rapids, IA a good place to live for Civil Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Cedar Rapids, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Cedar Rapids, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Iowa City, IA ($97,040) and Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the national average salary for Civil Engineers?
Civil Engineers in Cedar Rapids, IA, earn an average of $96,470 annually, which is approximately 9.5% lower than the national average of $106,590.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA for Civil Engineers?
The cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA, is exactly at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Civil Engineer's salary is comparable to the national standard.
How concentrated is the Civil Engineer job market in Cedar Rapids, IA?
The job market for Civil Engineers in Cedar Rapids, IA, is nearly as concentrated as the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.97. This suggests a stable and consistent demand for these professionals in the region.
What is the total number of Civil Engineers employed in Cedar Rapids, IA?
There are approximately 310 Civil Engineers employed in Cedar Rapids, IA, contributing to a steady demand for their specialized skills within the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Cedar Rapids, IA area with a job density of 2.235 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 Cedar Rapids, IA