Des Moines vs Seattle: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Des Moines, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,603 | $119,543▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.69 | $57.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,762 | $84,300▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,200 | $102,928▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,684▲ | $138,037 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,884▲ | $166,014 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 7,680▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Seattle is $9,940 (9.07%). Seattle's median is +15.51% 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,Seattle spans $81,714. 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, Seattle ($107,568 effective) pays 5.41% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,884)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,543/year)
- ✓Larger job market (7,680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,568)
- ✓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 27.4% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Des Moines, WA
$122,369 (2024) → $106,794 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$91,440 (2019) → $116,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Des Moines or Seattle?
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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