Iowa ranks 35th of 50 states and D.C. for civil engineers pay, trailing top-paying California ($118,450) by $23,950 — a 25% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $63,860 to $134,230 — a $70,370 spread, 26% tighter than the national $95,070 range.
Civil Engineers are less concentrated in Iowa than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.71 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.41× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $63,860 | $30.70 |
| 25th percentile | $76,170 | $36.62 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $94,500 | $45.43 |
| 75th percentile | $112,030 | $53.86 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $134,230 | $64.54 |
| Mean (average) | $96,450 | $46.37 |
How Iowa Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa (current) | $94,500 | n/a |
| California | $118,450 | +25% |
| Rhode Island | $112,250 | +19% |
| Alaska | $107,240 | +13% |
| Washington | $105,090 | +11% |
| New Mexico | $104,600 | +11% |
| Massachusetts | $104,450 | +11% |
| Mississippi | $103,940 | +10% |
| New Jersey | $103,690 | +10% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Iowa
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $95,620 | 1,880 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | $95,850 | 1,440 |
| Physical Therapists | $95,890 | 2,800 |
| Construction Managers | $96,300 | 2,200 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $91,670 | 4,490 |
| Mechanical Engineers | $97,570 | 4,230 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Civil Engineers salary in Iowa?
The mean civil engineers salary in Iowa is $96,450 per year. The median (middle) salary is $94,500 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Civil Engineers in Iowa?
Entry-level civil engineerss (10th percentile) in Iowa typically earn around $63,860 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $76,170 per year.
What is the highest Civil Engineers salary in Iowa?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Iowa make approximately $134,230 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $112,030 per year.
How does the Iowa Civil Engineers salary compare to the national average?
The median civil engineers salary in Iowa is $94,500, which is -5% below national average of $99,590.