Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $133,624 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Cedar Rapids, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $133,624/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Cedar Rapids's price premium (BEA RPP 89.0, 11% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $150,202 in average-cost America. The 36% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Cedar Rapids presents considerable opportunities for experienced civil engineers, particularly for those seeking to maximize their earning potential. With a projected median annual salary of $98,053 in 2026, seasoned professionals can tap into significant financial rewards, especially at the higher end of the spectrum. The salary range illustrates a clear distinction between those in the top 10% of earners, averaging $133,624, and the median, highlighting an experience premium that can reach $35,571. Attaining such top-tier compensation often requires specialization as well as a robust track record in areas like structural engineering or project management. Successfully positioning oneself in the Cedar Rapids job market necessitates not just technical skills, but also networking and securing credentials such as the Professional Engineer (PE) license to increase attractiveness to potential employers.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Rapids
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Cedar Rapids earn between $126,923 and $133,624 per year (2026 est.). This $68,249 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cedar Rapids median of $98,053 sits 5.26% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Cedar Rapids | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $98,053 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,923 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $133,624 | $167,513 |
In Cedar Rapids, experienced civil engineers (P90) earn 36.28% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Civil Engineer Pay in Cedar Rapids
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $98,053 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cedar Rapids employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Cedar Rapids command premium compensation, often reaching the $126,923–$133,624 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cedar Rapids metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced civil engineers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured civil engineers in Cedar Rapids with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Civil Engineers in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Civil Engineer Career & Wage Growth Path in Cedar Rapids
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCedar Rapids ranks #24 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $133,624).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Cedar Rapids ($133,624) is 4.56% below the Iowa average P90 ($140,013).
2019 BLS Actual
$104,230
2025 BLS Actual
$130,200
2026 Current Est.
$133,624
2019–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Cedar Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,230 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,820 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,870 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,200 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,624 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,139 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids saw their compensation grow 24.9% from $104,230 in 2019 to $130,200 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.63% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $137,139 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Rapids 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.
Maximizing Your Civil Engineer Earnings in Cedar Rapids
Compensation for senior civil engineers in Cedar Rapids varies significantly depending on the specialization and employer type. Disciplines such as structural engineering, transportation, and environmental/wastewater systems tend to command higher salaries. Companies like AECOM and Jacobs are known for their competitive pay structures, often higher than those found in government positions, reflecting their reliance on high-end consulting talent. In contrast, local public works departments and state DOTs typically offer more stable but lower compensation. Advancement opportunities are substantial as engineers progress from roles such as Engineer-in-Training (EIT) to senior sections, with avenues towards project management or technical tracks available. Additionally, credentials like LEED AP or ENV SP can provide further pay boosts, making ongoing education and skill development essential in a field increasingly influenced by stimulus-driven infrastructure investments, particularly under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Cedar Rapids in 2026?
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Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Cedar Rapids?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $130,200 for civil engineers in the Cedar Rapids metro area. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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