Ames vs Council Bluffs: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Ames, IA and Council Bluffs, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Council Bluffs, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,835▲ | $95,579 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.44▲ | $45.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,095▲ | $64,710 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,590▲ | $75,361 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,392▲ | $122,341 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,720 | $148,148▲ |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Ames, IA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Council Bluffs.
The salary gap between Ames and Council Bluffs is $7,256 (7.59%). Ames's median is -0.63% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $62,625,Council Bluffs spans $83,438. Council Bluffs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ames ($115,766 effective) pays 9.49% more than Council Bluffs ($105,729 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,835/year)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,766)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Council Bluffs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,148)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Ames grew 15.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.2% growth in Council Bluffs over the same period.
Ames, IA
$87,000 (2019) → $100,200 (2025)
Council Bluffs, IA
$76,825 (2024) → $93,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Council Bluffs, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Ames or Council Bluffs?
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov