Des Moines vs Marshalltown: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Des Moines, IA and Marshalltown, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Marshalltown, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,890▲ | $94,263 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.02▲ | $45.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,792 | $67,186▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,380▲ | $74,104 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,968▲ | $119,412 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,483 | $146,107▲ |
| Total Employed | 830▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Marshalltown.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Marshalltown is $5,627 (5.97%). Des Moines's median is -3.48% 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,Marshalltown spans $78,921. Marshalltown 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, Des Moines ($108,930 effective) pays 4.47% more than Marshalltown ($104,273 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,890/year)
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,930)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Marshalltown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,107)
- ✓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 21.2% growth in Marshalltown over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$85,370 (2019) → $97,330 (2025)
Marshalltown, IA
$75,767 (2024) → $91,847 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Marshalltown, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Des Moines or Marshalltown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Marshalltown?
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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