Mechanical Engineers Salary in Iowa

Mechanical engineers in Iowa earn the most in Davenport (average $107,350 a year) and the least in Cedar Rapids ($94,860), across the 7 Iowa metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the mechanical engineers average at $99,230 and the median at $97,700 for 3,470 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $113,610.

Mechanical Engineers average salary by city in Iowa

Davenport$107,350
Sioux City$98,140
Ames$97,670
Des Moines$96,830
Iowa City$96,190
Waterloo$95,720
Cedar Rapids$94,860

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Davenport	$107,350	$104,320	$83,360	$80,883	89
Sioux City	$98,140	$95,250	$79,100	$74,754	86
Ames	$97,670	$98,610	$82,440	$74,441	89
Des Moines	$96,830	$85,490	$79,130	$73,882	92
Iowa City	$96,190	$96,190	$77,540	$73,456	92
Waterloo	$95,720	$88,770	$78,360	$73,143	87
Cedar Rapids	$94,860	$84,630	$77,020	$72,571	89

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Iowa school district surtaxes (a percentage of state tax in some districts) are not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Mechanical Engineers salary in other states

Mechanical Engineers salary by city and state

More about pay in Iowa

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 17-2141.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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