Ames vs Des Moines: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Ames, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,835▲ | $99,890 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.44▲ | $48.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,095▲ | $66,792 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,590 | $80,380▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $123,392 | $125,968▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,720 | $144,483▲ |
| Total Employed | 290 | 830▲ |
Verdict
Ames and Des Moines are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Ames and Des Moines is $2,945 (2.95%). 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,Des Moines spans $77,691. Des Moines 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 6.28% more than Des Moines ($108,930 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,766)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,483)
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓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 14.0% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Ames, IA
$87,000 (2019) → $100,200 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$85,370 (2019) → $97,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Ames or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Ames to Des Moines as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Ames vs Des Moines?
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