Civil Engineer Salary in Sioux City, IA: $75,550 (2026)

Civil Engineer Pay in Sioux City: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux City offers a median civil engineer salary of $75,550, which is $4,497 below the Iowa state average of $80,047. Compared to the national median of $89,940, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $75,550 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $89,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for civil engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for civil engineers in Sioux City spans from $50,736 at the 10th percentile to $116,424 at the 90th percentile — a $65,688 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,080, while senior civil engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $109,200. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Civil Engineer Salary in Sioux City by Experience

In Sioux City, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $52,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$52,080

$-9,920 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$75,600

$-14,400 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$109,200

$-20,800 vs national

Percentile	Sioux City	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$50,736	$53,756	$60,400
25th Percentile	$61,488	$65,148	$73,200
Median (50th)	$75,550	$80,047	$89,940
75th Percentile	$95,760	$101,460	$114,000
90th Percentile	$116,424	$123,354	$138,600

Percentile

Sioux City

10th Percentile

$50,736

25th Percentile

$61,488

Median (50th)

$75,550

75th Percentile

$95,760

90th Percentile

$116,424

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Sioux City

Education

Most civil engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Sioux City and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Sioux City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Sioux City

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Sioux City, IA? ▼

The median civil engineer salary in Sioux City, Iowa is $75,550 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $50,736 (10th percentile) to $116,424 (90th percentile).

How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Sioux City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $75,550, a civil engineer in Sioux City earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Sioux City compare to the Iowa state average for civil engineer pay? ▼

Sioux City's median civil engineer salary of $75,550 is 5.6% below the Iowa state average of $80,047. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Sioux City, IA? ▼

Sioux City has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a civil engineer salary of $75,550 in Sioux City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a civil engineer in Sioux City? ▼

Most civil engineer positions in Sioux City require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

Civil Engineer Salary in Sioux City, Iowa