Cedar Rapids vs Davenport: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Davenport, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,053▲ | $95,395 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.15▲ | $45.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,375 | $70,702▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,235 | $79,641▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $126,923▲ | $120,867 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,624 | $140,839▲ |
| Total Employed | 290 | 410▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids and Davenport are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Davenport is $2,658 (2.79%). Cedar Rapids's median is -5.26% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $68,249,Davenport spans $70,137. Davenport 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, Cedar Rapids ($110,218 effective) pays 2.92% more than Davenport ($107,090 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,053/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,218)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,839)
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 28.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.9% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$74,650 (2019) → $95,540 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$88,600 (2019) → $92,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Davenport, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Cedar Rapids or Davenport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Davenport?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Davenport as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Cedar Rapids vs Davenport?
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