Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $67,186 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Marshalltown, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,186 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Marshalltown's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,321 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,263) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, new graduates entering the civil engineering field in Marshalltown, IA, can expect an entry-level civil engineer salary ranging from $67,186 to $74,104 as they establish their careers. This starting pay indicates a noticeable gap between entry-level positions and the median annual salary of $94,263 for civil engineers in the area. While the starting figures may appear modest compared to the city median, new graduates should anticipate a growth trajectory that allows for upward mobility—transitioning from entry-level to more experienced roles within 3-5 years. Given the ongoing infrastructure investments driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Marshalltown presents a favorable job market for those just beginning their careers in civil engineering, which suggests a supportive environment for recent graduates.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Marshalltown
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshalltown
Entry-level civil engineers in Marshalltown, IA typically start between $67,186 and $74,104 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $78,921 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,263 — 8.92% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Iowa of $52,000 represents just 77.40% of the starting civil engineer pay ($67,186/year) in Marshalltown. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover ABET-accredited undergraduate civil engineering programs at public and private universities. Licensure (FE after graduation, PE after 4 years experience) adds exam fees. Many engineers pursue master's degrees (MS or MEng).
CE, PE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Marshalltown
- 1Research the Marshalltown market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $67,186 to $74,104, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the civil engineering field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Marshalltown, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Marshalltown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Marshalltown's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Civil Engineer Compensation Range
The civil engineer wage spread in Marshalltown is $78,921 ( 117.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,186, experienced hygienists can earn up to $146,107.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,127
2025 BLS Actual
$65,464
2026 Current Est.
$67,186
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Marshalltown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,127 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,875 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,087 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,557 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,648 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,847 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,464 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,186 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,953 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Marshalltown, IA grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,127 in 2019 to $65,464 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,953. New graduates entering the Marshalltown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your civil engineering Career in Marshalltown
In Marshalltown, numerous employers actively seek recent graduates with competitive entry-level compensation and opportunities for professional development. Large consulting firms, such as AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP, are at the forefront, attracting new engineers with comprehensive training programs aimed at preparing them for Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Alternatively, state Department of Transportation roles or federal agencies like the US Army Corps of Engineers provide stable government career paths, while construction companies such as Bechtel and Fluor recruit entry-level engineers for field positions. Earning a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program, along with obtaining an Engineer in Training (EIT) certification by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam during one's final year, can significantly enhance starting pay in Iowa. With ongoing infrastructure funding and a competitive job landscape, new engineers should aim for continuous credentials, including the PE license, to ensure robust career advancement and sustained salary growth in the Marshalltown area.
More salary data for Marshalltown, 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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new civil engineering graduates. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Marshalltown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Marshalltown is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for civil engineers (SOC 17-2051).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov