Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Des Moines, IA: $144,483 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Des Moines, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $144,483/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Des Moines's price premium (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $157,559 in average-cost America. The 45% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, IA, an experienced civil engineer can expect a substantial salary at the senior level, with the 2026 median annual income projected at $99,890. For those who excel in their roles, the top tier of earners can command salaries as high as $144,483, reflecting a notable experience premium when compared to the median. This significant gap illustrates what it takes to rise through the ranks in a competitive field, where seasoned professionals sharpen their skills in areas such as project management and technical leadership. This top civil engineer salary in Des Moines not only showcases the value of extensive experience but also highlights how the market's upward trajectory exceeds national figures by 3.48%.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Des Moines earn between $125,968 and $144,483 per year (2026 est.). This $77,691 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Des Moines median of $99,890 sits 3.48% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Des Moines | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $99,890 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,968 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $144,483 | $167,513 |
In Des Moines, experienced civil engineers (P90) earn 44.64% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Civil Engineer Pay in Des Moines
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $99,890 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Des Moines employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Des Moines command premium compensation, often reaching the $125,968–$144,483 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Des Moines metro area, which is a large CE, PE employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced civil engineers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured civil engineers in Des Moines with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive 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 Des Moines
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDes Moines ranks #14 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $144,483).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Des Moines ($144,483) is 3.19% above the Iowa average P90 ($140,013).
2019 BLS Actual
$122,870
2025 BLS Actual
$140,780
2026 Current Est.
$144,483
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,870 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,650 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,090 | Actual |
| 2023 | $134,400 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,920 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,780 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,483 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,282 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Des Moines saw their compensation grow 14.6% from $122,870 in 2019 to $140,780 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 $148,282 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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 Des Moines
When analyzing the specific dimensions of senior civil engineer pay in IA, various specializations drive higher compensation in Des Moines. Structural engineering and water resources are just two of the paths where experienced engineers can particularly benefit, with key firms such as AECOM and Jacobs offering lucrative opportunities. At the same time, employment with prestige construction companies like Kiewit or federal agencies can lead to varying pay scales depending on project scopes and funding sources. Career advancement typically follows a clear trajectory, from engineer-in-training (EIT) to licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and beyond, with credentials such as LEED AP enhancing marketability. Additionally, as infrastructure spending surges due to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the economic environment indicates increases in project budgets, further bolstering salary potential in both consulting firms and government positions.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Des Moines in 2026?
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Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Des Moines?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Des Moines?
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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 $140,780 for civil engineers in the Des Moines 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