Ames vs Ottumwa: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Ames, IA and Ottumwa, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Ottumwa, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,835▲ | $92,084 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.44▲ | $44.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,095 | $68,969▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,590▲ | $76,518 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,392▲ | $115,545 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,720 | $140,651▲ |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Ames, IA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ottumwa.
The salary gap between Ames and Ottumwa is $10,751 (11.68%). 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,Ottumwa spans $71,682. Ottumwa 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 13.65% more than Ottumwa ($101,863 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 Ottumwa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,651)
- ✓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 Ottumwa over the same period.
Ames, IA
$87,000 (2019) → $100,200 (2025)
Ottumwa, IA
$74,016 (2024) → $89,724 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ottumwa, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Ames or Ottumwa?
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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