Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $146,107 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Marshalltown, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $146,107/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Marshalltown's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $161,623 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced civil engineers in Marshalltown can expect to see substantial earning potential, with top-tier salaries reaching as high as $146,107 for those positioned in the 90th percentile. This figure reflects a significant increase from the median annual salary of $94,263, highlighting the lucrative opportunities available for seasoned professionals in the area. While the average salary is competitive, it remains approximately 8.92% below the national median of $103,492, indicating that attaining the upper echelons of pay in Marshalltown requires not only experience but also a strategic focus on specialized skills and leadership positions. Civilians aiming for the highest compensation must seek advanced certifications, further their studies, and may consider roles that offer meaningful project leadership, as these factors appear influential in climbing the career ladder and accessing premium pay levels.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshalltown
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Marshalltown earn between $119,412 and $146,107 per year (2026 est.). This $78,921 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Marshalltown median of $94,263 sits 8.92% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Marshalltown | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $94,263 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,412 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $146,107 | $167,513 |
In Marshalltown, experienced civil engineers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Civil Engineer Pay in Marshalltown
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $94,263 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Marshalltown employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Marshalltown command premium compensation, often reaching the $119,412–$146,107 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMarshalltown ranks #8 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $146,107).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Marshalltown ($146,107) is 4.35% above the Iowa average P90 ($140,013).
2019 BLS Actual
$126,087
2025 BLS Actual
$142,363
2026 Current Est.
$146,107
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
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 | $126,087 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,306 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,284 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,968 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,391 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,439 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,363 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $146,107 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,950 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Marshalltown saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $126,087 in 2019 to $142,363 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 $149,950 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Civil Engineer Earnings in Marshalltown
Compensation for senior civil engineers across various specializations reveals distinct trends within the Marshalltown job market. Those specializing in high-demand areas such as structural engineering, transportation, and environmental/wastewater management often command premiums, while roles in established engineering consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs typically provide competitive salaries alongside robust advancement opportunities. At the senior level, factors influencing pay include employer types; for instance, benefits often differ markedly between consulting firms, Fortune 500 contractors like Kiewit, and government agencies. Progressing through stages from engineer-in-training (EIT) to a fully licensed Professional Engineer (PE) can set the stage for further promotions, elevating engineers to positions such as project managers or principals. Advanced credentials, including LEED AP and Environmental Sustainability Professional designations, can also enhance earning potential, enabling civil engineers to navigate a market increasingly defined by the impacts of infrastructure investment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Non-salary benefits, such as job stability and professional development opportunities, further enrich the overall package offered to experienced professionals in IA.
More salary data for Marshalltown, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Marshalltown in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Marshalltown?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Marshalltown?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Marshalltown?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Marshalltown?
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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 $142,363 for civil engineers in the Marshalltown 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
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