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Entry Level Civil Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Civil Engineering information

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$38K

$69.1K

$113.7K

How much do entry level civil engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level civil engineering in Iowa is $69,062.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,800.00 and $83,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become an entry level civil engineer with no experience?

To become an entry-level civil engineer with no experience, obtain a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field, and develop skills in design software like AutoCAD and project management. Internships or cooperative education programs can provide practical experience and improve employability. Earning a Professional Engineer (PE) license is not required initially but can enhance career prospects later.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level civil engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Civil Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, a solid understanding of engineering fundamentals, and proficiency in mathematics and physics. Familiarity with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and other design software, as well as knowledge of industry standards and the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help differentiate candidates in collaborative and project-driven environments. These abilities ensure the effective design, analysis, and execution of infrastructure projects while meeting safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on as an entry level civil engineer?

As an entry-level civil engineer, you can expect to be involved in a range of tasks such as assisting with site inspections, preparing drawings and reports, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting senior engineers with project planning. Typical projects may include transportation systems, water resources, environmental remediation, or structural designs. You'll often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including architects, surveyors, and construction managers, gaining exposure to the full project lifecycle. This hands-on experience helps build a strong foundation for future specialization and career advancement.

What is the difference between Entry Level Civil Engineering vs Civil Engineering Technician?

AspectEntry Level Civil EngineeringCivil Engineering Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in civil engineering or related fieldAssociate degree or diploma in civil engineering technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, project management, often in office settingsFieldwork, site inspections, assisting engineers on construction sites
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, construction companies, government agenciesConstruction firms, consulting firms, government departments

Entry Level Civil Engineering roles typically require a bachelor's degree and focus on design and planning tasks, while Civil Engineering Technicians usually hold an associate degree and assist with fieldwork and technical support. Both roles are essential in civil projects but differ in education requirements and daily responsibilities.

What is an entry level civil engineer?

Entry level civil engineers are recent graduates or individuals with minimal professional experience who support the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. They typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers, assisting with tasks like drafting plans, conducting site inspections, and performing calculations. Entry level civil engineers play a crucial role in ensuring that projects meet safety, environmental, and regulatory standards while gaining hands-on experience in the field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Engineering jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Civil Engineering jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Civil Engineering jobs in Iowa? For Entry Level Civil Engineering jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Civil Engineering jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Civil Engineering jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Civil Engineering jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Civil Engineering job openings:
Entry Level Civil Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Civil Engineering job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,062 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Entry-Level Civil Engineer - Site Design

Olsson

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 hours ago

Job description

Company Description
We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results - for our people, our clients, and our company.
We're a people-centric firm, so it's no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.
Job Description
Olsson provides multidisciplinary design services for mixed-use, commercial, and residential land development projects, along with municipal, industrial, sports, schools, and other site development types.
As an Entry-level Civil Engineer - Site Design (Assistant Engineer), you will provide basic project design through CAD drafting, instruct drafters on how to create drawings of designs, and prepare project schedules. You may also perform research, write technical reports, and travel to job sites for observation.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Assists with project design elements for engineering projects utilizing familiarity with standard techniques and established methods.
  • Performs entry-level plan production and receives clearly defined instructions for necessary tasks.
  • Gains knowledge and experience working within design and modeling software.
  • Receives guidance from senior level staff to assist with project schedules and technical engineering calculations.
  • Contributes to limited portions of a broader project while under direct supervision.
  • Gathers and prepares research to assist with the assembly of technical reports.
  • May provide mentoring to student interns by answering questions and offering guidance with routine assignments.
  • May travel and work in all types of terrain and weather conditions at project sites in various stages of construction.

Qualifications
You are passionate about:
  • Working collaboratively with others.
  • Having ownership in the work you do.
  • Using your talents to positively affect communities.

You bring to the team:
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to contribute and work well on a team
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering
  • Must obtain Engineer Intern (EI) certificate
  • 0-2 years+ related civil engineering design experience
  • Knowledge of AutoCAD (Civil 3D is a plus)

#LI-DNP
Additional Information
Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.
As an Olsson employee, you will:
  • Receive a competitive 401(k) match
  • Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
  • Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
  • Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
  • Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles

In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.
Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.
Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants' personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the "CCPA"), this notice explains Olsson's practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices.
For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.

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