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Entry Level Transportation Engineer Jobs in Iowa

AECOM is seeking an Entry Level Civil Engineer to be based in Waterloo, IA . This position is ... transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create ...

AECOM is seeking an Entry Level Civil Engineer to be based in Waterloo, IA . This position is ... transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create ...

Field Application Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site +1

$54K - $81K/yr

Locations | Entry-Level | Full-Time Are you ready to launch your career with one of the world ... Ability to lift and transport demo equipment (35-85 lbs.) into customer sites Why KEYENCE?

... Entry Level Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Dubuque, IA. Pay ... Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick ...

New

... Transportation and Water. Ulteig is a trusted partner in engineering North America's essential ... infrastructure and leverages its expertise with a wide range of public and private clients. At ...

Industrial Engineer I

West Bend, IA · On-site

$63K - $85K/yr

You perform hands-on food packaging tests to evaluate functionality, handling, and transport ... This is an entry-level Engineering opportunity with room for long-term career growth. To be ...

Strong communication and problem-solving skills Experience Level * Entry Level Job Type & Location ... Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick ...

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Entry Level Transportation Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$28.2K

$65.1K

$110.8K

How much do entry level transportation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level transportation engineer in Iowa is $65,149.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,400.00 and $73,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical projects and responsibilities for an Entry Level Transportation Engineer in their first year?

As an Entry Level Transportation Engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks such as preparing design plans, conducting traffic studies, assisting with roadway or intersection design, and supporting senior engineers with data collection and analysis. You may also collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, attend site visits, and help prepare reports or presentations for clients and stakeholders. This role offers the chance to build foundational skills in transportation engineering while learning about industry standards and project workflows.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Most entry-level transportation engineers do not earn $300,000 annually; such high salaries are typically seen in senior or specialized roles, often requiring extensive experience, advanced degrees, or management responsibilities. Engineers in fields like petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering may reach this level with significant expertise and leadership positions, but it is uncommon for entry-level transportation engineers to earn this amount.

What is the difference between Entry Level Transportation Engineer vs Transportation Planner?

AspectEntry Level Transportation EngineerTransportation Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering or related field; Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification often preferredBachelor's in Urban Planning, Geography, or related field; may require certification in planning
Work EnvironmentDesigning transportation systems, analyzing traffic data, working on engineering projectsDeveloping transportation policies, conducting planning studies, community engagement
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, government transportation departments, construction companiesMunicipalities, regional planning agencies, consulting firms

Entry Level Transportation Engineers focus on designing and analyzing transportation infrastructure, requiring engineering credentials. Transportation Planners concentrate on planning and policy development, often with a background in urban planning. Both roles are essential in transportation projects but differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Transportation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Transportation Engineer, you generally need a bachelor's degree in civil or transportation engineering, strong analytical skills, and a solid understanding of transportation principles. Familiarity with design and simulation software like AutoCAD, MicroStation, and traffic analysis tools, as well as experience with relevant codes and standards, is crucial. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate effectively and adapt to project demands. These competencies ensure you can contribute to safe, efficient transportation systems while supporting project goals and regulatory compliance.

Are transportation engineers in high demand?

Transportation engineers are in high demand due to ongoing infrastructure projects and urban development. They often require skills in traffic analysis, design software, and knowledge of transportation systems, making the profession stable with good job prospects.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Most entry-level transportation engineers do not earn $500,000 annually. High salaries in engineering typically occur at senior levels, in specialized roles, or with significant experience, often exceeding $150,000 to $200,000 per year. Achieving a $500,000 salary usually requires advanced positions such as senior project managers, consulting engineers, or executives with extensive expertise and leadership responsibilities.

What does an Entry Level Transportation Engineer do?

An Entry Level Transportation Engineer assists in the planning, design, and implementation of transportation infrastructure projects such as roads, highways, bridges, and traffic systems. Their responsibilities typically include conducting site assessments, preparing technical drawings, analyzing traffic data, and supporting senior engineers with project management tasks. They often use specialized software to create models and ensure projects comply with safety and environmental standards. This role is ideal for recent engineering graduates looking to gain practical experience in the transportation field.

How to get into transportation engineering?

To become an entry-level transportation engineer, obtain a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, transportation engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in traffic analysis and design software, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Transportation Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Transportation Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Transportation Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Entry Level Transportation Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Transportation Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Transportation Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Transportation Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Transportation Engineer job openings:
Entry-Level Transportation Engineer - Roadway

Entry-Level Transportation Engineer - Roadway

Olsson

Des Moines, IA

$75K - $100K/yr

Other

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Job Description

Join Olsson and build a strong foundation for your career in transportation engineering. We are seeking a motivated and collaborative entry-level/new graduate with an interest in roadway and transportation design to support a variety of projects, including urban and rural roadways, multimodal paths, and highway and interchange improvements.

As a member of our Roadway team, you will work alongside experienced engineers on meaningful transportation projects that positively impact communities. You will contribute to project delivery through CAD drafting and design support, assist with research and preparation of technical reports, and participate in field observations and site visits as needed. This role offers exposure to the full project lifecycle and the opportunity to grow your technical skills in a supportive, teamoriented environment.

At Olsson, we value growth, initiative, and high performance. We are committed to supporting your professional development through mentorship, ongoing training, and access to modern tools and technology, while providing clear pathways for career advancement.

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 with a team.
  • Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.
  • Ability to obtain Engineer Intern (EI) certificate within 12 months of employment.
  • 0-3 years of relevant experience.
  • Familiarity with MicroStation or AutoCAD Civil 3D, a plus.

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