Davenport vs Marion: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Davenport, IA and Marion, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Marion, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,395 | $97,319▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.87 | $46.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,702▲ | $66,346 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,641▲ | $76,516 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,867 | $123,182▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,839 | $150,845▲ |
| Total Employed | 410▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Marion, IA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Davenport.
The salary gap between Davenport and Marion is $1,924 (2.02%). Marion's median is -5.96% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $70,137,Marion spans $84,499. Marion 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, Marion ($107,654 effective) pays 0.53% 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 Davenport if…
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Marion if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,319/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($150,845)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,654)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Davenport grew 4.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.2% growth in Marion over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$88,600 (2019) → $92,950 (2025)
Marion, IA
$78,224 (2024) → $94,825 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Marion, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Davenport or Marion?
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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