Ames vs Dubuque: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Ames, IA and Dubuque, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Dubuque, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,835▲ | $101,819 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.44▲ | $48.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,095▲ | $65,447 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,590▲ | $79,169 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,392 | $131,756▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,720 | $137,134▲ |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Ames, IA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dubuque.
The salary gap between Ames and Dubuque is $1,016 (1.00%). 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,Dubuque spans $71,687. Dubuque 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, Dubuque ($116,594 effective) pays 0.71% more than Ames ($115,766 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)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Dubuque if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,134)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,594)
- ✓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 23.2% growth in Dubuque over the same period.
Ames, IA
$87,000 (2019) → $100,200 (2025)
Dubuque, IA
$80,550 (2019) → $99,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dubuque, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Ames or Dubuque?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Dubuque?
Should I relocate from Ames to Dubuque as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Ames vs Dubuque?
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