Des Moines vs Dubuque: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Des Moines, IA and Dubuque, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Dubuque, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,890 | $101,819▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.02 | $48.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,792▲ | $65,447 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,380▲ | $79,169 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,968 | $131,756▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,483▲ | $137,134 |
| Total Employed | 830▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Des Moines and Dubuque are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Dubuque is $1,929 (1.93%). Dubuque's median is -1.62% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $77,691,Dubuque spans $71,687. Des Moines 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, Dubuque ($116,594 effective) pays 7.04% 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 Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,483)
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Dubuque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,819/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,594)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Des Moines grew 14.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.2% growth in Dubuque over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$85,370 (2019) → $97,330 (2025)
Dubuque, IA
$80,550 (2019) → $99,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Dubuque, 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