Average Civil Engineers Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Civil Engineers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an average annual salary of $97,420. This figure is slightly below the national average of $106,590, suggesting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and demand within the metropolitan area. While not reaching the national benchmark, this salary reflects the essential role civil engineers play in local infrastructure development and urban planning.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $97,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $134,920.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines metropolitan area supports a dedicated workforce of 780 Civil Engineers. With a Location Quotient of 0.83, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not oversaturated job market. The presence of nearly two Civil Engineers per 1,000 workers suggests consistent demand for their specialized skills in supporting the region's growth and maintenance needs.
Salary Overview
The average Civil Engineers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-8.6%below the national average.
$46.8
$1,873
$8,118
Civil Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Des Moines-West Des Moines is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Civil Engineer salaries in the region have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for infrastructure projects, and the evolving complexity of engineering challenges, leading to incremental salary increases for experienced professionals.
Civil Engineers Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Salary progression for Civil Engineers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, as elsewhere, is strongly correlated with experience. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior engineers with extensive project management experience and specialized expertise can significantly exceed the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries, often seen across different pay percentiles, signifies substantial career growth and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $64,620 | $31.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $73,065 | $35.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $96,440 | $46.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $121,775 | $58.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $134,920 | $64.9 |
Detailed Civil Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$97,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$97,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average Civil Engineer salary of $97,420 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Civil Engineer's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
780
Total Jobs
1.916
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.83x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.83 for Civil Engineers in Des Moines-West Des Moines indicates that the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy job market where demand is met by a slightly smaller pool of local talent, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled engineers, especially those with in-demand specializations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Civil Engineers Salary | $97,910↑ 1% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $101,180↑ 4% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $91,250↓ 6% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $94,210↓ 3% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $102,370↑ 5% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Civil Engineers make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Civil Engineers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $97,420. This typically ranges from $64,620 for entry-level positions to $134,920 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 8.6% lower than the national median of $106,590.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Civil Engineers?
Yes, it offers a good balance of salary and cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, providing equivalent purchasing power. The stable job market further supports its appeal.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Civil Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($97,910) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does experience impact a Civil Engineer's salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
Experience significantly boosts earning potential. Entry-level engineers earn less, while senior engineers with specialized skills and project management experience can command salaries well above the $97,420 average.
Is the job market for Civil Engineers competitive in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
With a Location Quotient below 1.0, the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a balanced demand and supply dynamic that can be favorable for job seekers.
What is the cost of living for Civil Engineers in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines is exactly at the national average (100), meaning your $97,420 salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally.
How does the average Civil Engineer salary in Des Moines compare to the national average?
The average salary of $97,420 in Des Moines-West Des Moines is slightly lower than the national average of $106,590.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 780 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 1.916 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA