Bettendorf vs Des Moines: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Bettendorf, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bettendorf, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,554 | $99,890▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.45 | $48.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,868▲ | $66,792 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,785 | $80,380▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,030 | $125,968▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,559▲ | $144,483 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 830▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bettendorf.
The salary gap between Bettendorf and Des Moines is $5,336 (5.64%). Des Moines's median is -3.48% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bettendorf spans $78,691,Des Moines spans $77,691. Bettendorf has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($108,930 effective) pays 4.14% more than Bettendorf ($104,595 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bettendorf if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,559)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,890/year)
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,930)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Bettendorf grew 21.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.0% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Bettendorf, IA
$76,002 (2024) → $92,131 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$85,370 (2019) → $97,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bettendorf, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Bettendorf or Des Moines?
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Should I relocate from Bettendorf to Des Moines as a civil engineer?
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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