Ames vs Fort Dodge: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Ames, IA and Fort Dodge, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Fort Dodge, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,835▲ | $90,848 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.44▲ | $43.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,095▲ | $65,892 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,590▲ | $73,998 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,392▲ | $114,586 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,720 | $136,277▲ |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Ames, IA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Dodge.
The salary gap between Ames and Fort Dodge is $11,987 (13.19%). 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,Fort Dodge spans $70,385. Fort Dodge 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 15.20% more than Fort Dodge ($100,496 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 Fort Dodge if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,277)
- ✓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 Fort Dodge over the same period.
Ames, IA
$87,000 (2019) → $100,200 (2025)
Fort Dodge, IA
$73,023 (2024) → $88,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Dodge, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Ames or Fort Dodge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Fort Dodge?
Should I relocate from Ames to Fort Dodge as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Ames vs Fort Dodge?
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