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Average Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary in Iowa City, IA

In Iowa City, IA, professionals in Architecture and Engineering Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $86,800. This figure is notably below the national average of $103,510, reflecting localized economic factors and demand specific to the Iowa City region. The unique economic landscape and industry concentration within Iowa City directly influence compensation levels for these specialized roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $86,800 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $127,330.
  • Outlook: The Architecture and Engineering sector in Iowa City, IA, comprises a local workforce of 990 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.65, the concentration of these jobs is below the national average, suggesting a moderate but not dominant presence within the local economy. The rate of 10.763 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$86,800

The average Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Iowa City, IA earns-16.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$41.7

Weekly

$1,669

Monthly

$7,233

Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Distribution in Iowa City, IA

Career progression in Architecture and Engineering Occupations typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior engineers and architects, with extensive project portfolios and specialized expertise, command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles underscores the value placed on experience and advanced skills in this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$55,630$26.7
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$65,100$31.3
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$81,660$39.3
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$108,500$52.2
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$127,330$61.2

Detailed Architecture and Engineering Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$86,800

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$86,800

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $86,800 in Iowa City, IA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of an Iowa City resident in these occupations is equivalent to that of the average American. Therefore, the $86,800 salary offers a comparable standard of living to the national average, despite the lower headline figure.

Job Market Context

990

Total Jobs

10.763

Per 1K Jobs

0.65

Location Quotient

Below Average

Iowa City, IA has 0.65x the national average concentration of Architecture and Engineering Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.65 for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Iowa City, IA, indicates that this sector is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the market may be less saturated with specialized talent compared to national hubs. Professionals in this field might find a balance between available roles and competition, potentially offering a stable career environment.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Architecture and Engineering Occupations make in Iowa City, IA?

The median annual salary for a Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Iowa City, IA is $86,800. This typically ranges from $55,630 for entry-level positions to $127,330 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Iowa City, IA is 16.1% lower than the national median of $103,510.

Is Iowa City, IA a lucrative place for Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?

No, but it offers comparable living standards.The average salary of $86,800 is below the national average, but with a Cost of Living Index of 100, the purchasing power remains equivalent to the national average.

Is Iowa City, IA a good place to live for Architecture and Engineering Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Iowa City, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa City, IA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($91,920) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.

How does the Iowa City salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Iowa City, IA, is $86,800, which is lower than the national average of $103,510.

What is the concentration of Architecture and Engineering jobs in Iowa City?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.65, indicating that these jobs are less prevalent in Iowa City compared to the national average.

Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary?

No, the Cost of Living Index in Iowa City is 100, which is the national average. This means the $86,800 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.

How many Architecture and Engineering jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Iowa City?

There are approximately 10.763 Architecture and Engineering jobs per 1,000 workers in Iowa City, IA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 990 employees in the Iowa City, IA area with a job density of 10.763 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.