Cedar Falls vs Des Moines: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Cedar Falls, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Falls, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,124▲ | $99,890 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.10▲ | $48.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,830▲ | $66,792 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,191▲ | $80,380 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,019▲ | $125,968 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,051▲ | $144,483 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 830▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Falls, IA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Moines.
The salary gap between Cedar Falls and Des Moines is $2,234 (2.24%). Cedar Falls's median is -1.32% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Falls spans $89,221,Des Moines spans $77,691. Cedar Falls 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, Cedar Falls ($112,969 effective) pays 3.71% 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 Cedar Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,124/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,051)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,969)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓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 Cedar Falls grew 26.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.0% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Cedar Falls, IA
$78,811 (2024) → $99,507 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$85,370 (2019) → $97,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Falls, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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