Des Moines vs Waterloo: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Des Moines, IA and Waterloo, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,890 | $99,992▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.02 | $48.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,792▲ | $63,302 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,380▲ | $78,173 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,968▲ | $108,798 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,483▲ | $131,736 |
| Total Employed | 830▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Des Moines and Waterloo are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Waterloo is $102 (0.10%). Waterloo's median is -3.38% 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,Waterloo spans $68,434. 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, Waterloo ($114,858 effective) pays 5.44% 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 Waterloo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,992/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,858)
- ✓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 55.0% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$85,370 (2019) → $97,330 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$62,870 (2019) → $97,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Des Moines or Waterloo?
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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