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Bridge Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Bridge Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$38K

$97.3K

$125.4K

How much do bridge engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge engineer in Iowa is $97,320.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,900.00 and $110,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most bridge engineers earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, highly experienced senior engineers or those in executive roles at large firms can potentially earn $500,000 or more per year, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities in complex projects.

What is the salary of a bridge engineer?

The average salary of a bridge engineer in the United States ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior bridge engineers or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000. Certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) can also influence earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Bridge Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bridge Engineer, you need strong knowledge of structural engineering principles, bridge design standards, and a degree in civil or structural engineering, often accompanied by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SAP2000, and MicroStation, along with familiarity with relevant codes like AASHTO, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective bridge projects that meet regulatory and client requirements.

What Do Bridge Engineers Do?

A bridge engineer is a specialized civil engineer who oversees the planning and construction of bridges and adjoining roadways. As a bridge engineer, your responsibilities include assessing the site, materials, timeline, and budget for the project. You see the construction through from planning to completion. You also work with scientists, construction teams, and government officials to make sure it complies with all building codes and regulations. Your job is to ensure the bridge is built as planned and finished on time and budget.

What are bridge engineers?

Bridge engineers are civil engineering professionals who specialize in the design, analysis, construction, and maintenance of bridges and related structures. They ensure that bridges are safe, durable, and able to handle expected loads and environmental conditions. Bridge engineers work with a variety of materials such as steel, concrete, and composites, and use advanced software for modeling and design. Their work is essential for creating reliable transportation infrastructure and often involves collaboration with architects, contractors, and government agencies.

Is bridge engineer a good career?

A bridge engineer designs, constructs, and maintains bridge structures, requiring skills in civil engineering, materials, and project management. The profession offers stable employment, competitive salaries, and opportunities for advancement, especially with licensure and experience. It often involves working in construction sites and adhering to safety standards and engineering codes.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. Management roles like engineering managers or directors can also reach or exceed this salary level, particularly in high-demand industries or large organizations.

What are some common challenges faced by Bridge Engineers during the design and construction phases, and how can they be addressed?

Bridge Engineers often encounter challenges such as site constraints, unexpected ground conditions, and coordination with multiple stakeholders during the design and construction phases. Managing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, effective communication with contractors and other engineers, and adaptability to changing project requirements. Staying updated on the latest industry standards and leveraging advanced design software can also help Bridge Engineers anticipate potential issues and deliver safe, efficient solutions. Proactive collaboration and regular site visits are key to ensuring that project milestones are met and quality is maintained throughout construction.

What is the difference between Bridge Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectBridge EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often required
Work EnvironmentDesigning, analyzing, and overseeing bridge projectsBroader infrastructure projects including roads, dams, and bridges
Industry UsageSpecialized in bridge structures within transportation and infrastructure sectorsGeneralist role across various civil infrastructure projects

Bridge Engineers focus specifically on designing and analyzing bridges, requiring specialized knowledge. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects, including bridges. Both roles often require similar credentials, but Bridge Engineers specialize in bridge-specific work, while Civil Engineers handle a wider range of civil projects.

More about Bridge Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Bridge Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Bridge Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Bridge Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Bridge Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Bridge Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Bridge Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Bridge Engineer jobs in IA? For Bridge Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Bridge Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bridge Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,320 per year, or $46.8 per hour.
Bridge Project Manager

Bridge Project Manager

Michael Baker International, Inc.

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$115K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Michael Baker International rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 359 rated engineering

Job description


Bridge Practice
Michael Baker International has addressed bridge design, construction and preservation challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions. Exemplifying its depth and versatility in the bridge space, Michael Baker International, ranked Number seven by Engineering News-Record in its annual ranking of Bridge Design Firms in the United States, has partnered with clients on a full spectrum of bridge types-from conventional grade separations to major, complex river crossings, including trusses, arches, box girders and cable-stayed bridges.
What We're Looking For:
Are you ready to lead transformative infrastructure projects across Iowa while enjoying the flexibility of remote work? We're seeking a Bridge Project Manager to drive the pursuit and delivery of transportation design projects-from preliminary engineering to PS&E-for statewide and regional clients.
This role blends technical excellence with mentorship, project leadership, and strategic growth. You'll shape the future of Iowa's bridges while guiding a talented team of engineers and collaborating with clients who value innovation and reliability.
What You'll Do:
  • Lead structural design and delivery of bridge, culvert, and retaining wall projects
  • Manage proposals, budgets, schedules, and staffing for multiple concurrent projects
  • Provide technical oversight and mentorship to junior engineers
  • Ensure quality control and assurance across all phases of design
  • Collaborate with Iowa DOT and other stakeholders to meet standards and exceed expectations
  • Support business development through client engagement and proposal strategy
  • Travel occasionally for site visits and client meetings

What You Need to Succeed:
  • Bachelor's or Master's in Civil or Structural Engineering
  • Iowa P.E. license (required)
  • 8+ years in bridge design and transportation engineering
  • 2+ years managing bridge-related projects or tasks
  • Deep familiarity with Iowa DOT and AASHTO LRFD standards
  • Proficiency in bridge design software, MicroStation, and Microsoft Office
  • Strong leadership, communication, and client listening skills

Compensation
The approximate compensation range for this position is $115,000 to $180,000. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.
Why Choose Us:
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
  • Professional and personal development
  • Generous paid time off
  • Commuter and wellness benefits

#LI-MM1 #LI-HYBRID
About Us
Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.
Based in Pittsburgh and with over 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.
We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.
We Make a Difference.
Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.
EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.
*It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
*There is no current application deadline. Michael Baker will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or no longer needed.

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