Des Moines vs Kennewick: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Des Moines, WA and Kennewick, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, WA | Kennewick, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,603 | $124,562▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.69 | $59.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,762 | $81,396▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,200 | $98,566▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,684 | $144,821▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,884 | $181,070▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 630▲ |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Kennewick is $14,959 (13.65%). Kennewick's median is +20.36% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $94,122,Kennewick spans $99,674. Kennewick 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, Kennewick ($124,464 effective) pays 21.96% more than Des Moines ($102,051 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($124,562/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($181,070)
- ✓Larger job market (630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,464)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Des Moines grew -12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.1% growth in Kennewick over the same period.
Des Moines, WA
$122,369 (2024) → $106,794 (2025)
Kennewick, WA
$85,410 (2020) → $121,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, WA
Kennewick, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Des Moines or Kennewick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Kennewick?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Kennewick as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Des Moines vs Kennewick?
Related Comparisons
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