Council Bluffs vs Davenport: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Council Bluffs, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Council Bluffs, IA | Davenport, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,579▲ | $95,395 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.95▲ | $45.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,710 | $70,702▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,361 | $79,641▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $122,341▲ | $120,867 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,148▲ | $140,839 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 410▲ |
Verdict
Council Bluffs, IA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Davenport.
The salary gap between Council Bluffs and Davenport is $184 (0.19%). Council Bluffs's median is -7.65% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Council Bluffs spans $83,438,Davenport spans $70,137. Council Bluffs 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, Davenport ($107,090 effective) pays 1.29% more than Council Bluffs ($105,729 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Council Bluffs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,579/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,148)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,090)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Council Bluffs grew 21.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.9% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Council Bluffs, IA
$76,825 (2024) → $93,130 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$88,600 (2019) → $92,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Council Bluffs, IA
Davenport, 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