Cedar Rapids vs Council Bluffs: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Council Bluffs, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Council Bluffs, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,169▲ | $105,703 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.00▲ | $50.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,842▲ | $67,111 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,256▲ | $80,902 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,117 | $135,301▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,117 | $159,136▲ |
| Total Employed | 390▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Council Bluffs.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Council Bluffs is $2,466 (2.33%). Cedar Rapids's median is -13.49% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $72,275,Council Bluffs spans $92,025. Council Bluffs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($121,589 effective) pays 3.99% more than Council Bluffs ($116,928 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,169/year)
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,589)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Council Bluffs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,136)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 2.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in Council Bluffs over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$101,560 (2019) → $104,360 (2025)
Council Bluffs, IA
$89,048 (2024) → $101,981 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Council Bluffs, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Cedar Rapids or Council Bluffs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Council Bluffs?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Council Bluffs as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Cedar Rapids vs Council Bluffs?
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov