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Average Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area

In the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Architecture and Engineering Occupations earn an average annual salary of $82,640. This figure is notably below the national average of $103,510, reflecting the unique economic landscape and demand specific to this region. Factors such as local industry needs and the cost of doing business often influence compensation levels in nonmetropolitan settings.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $82,640 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $120,200.
  • Outlook: The Architecture and Engineering sector in Northwest Iowa comprises approximately 1,600 workers, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 10.921. The Location Quotient of 0.66 suggests that this occupation is less concentrated here than the national average, indicating a moderate but not overwhelmingly dominant presence within the local workforce. While the total workforce size is substantial, the lower concentration implies that demand may be steady rather than rapidly expanding, offering a stable but potentially less competitive job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$82,640

The average Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-20.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$39.7

Weekly

$1,589

Monthly

$6,887

Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Distribution in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression within Architecture and Engineering Occupations typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior engineers and architects with extensive project management experience and specialized skills can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps between entry-level, mid-career, and senior roles signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$50,450$24.3
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$61,980$29.8
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$77,780$37.4
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$103,300$49.7
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$120,200$57.8

Detailed Architecture and Engineering Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$82,640

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$82,640

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $82,640 in Northwest Iowa aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal pay is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not exacerbate the difference. Residents can expect their earnings to cover expenses at a rate comparable to the rest of the country.

Job Market Context

1,600

Total Jobs

10.921

Per 1K Jobs

0.66

Location Quotient

Below Average

Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.66x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.66, the Architecture and Engineering Occupations are less concentrated in Northwest Iowa compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles is not saturated, and professionals may find a relatively good balance between available positions and the number of qualified candidates. While not a hub for these professions, the lower concentration could translate to less intense competition for skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Architecture and Engineering Occupations

Comparing salaries near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Architecture and Engineering Occupations make in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $82,640. This typically ranges from $50,450 for entry-level positions to $120,200 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 20.2% lower than the national median of $103,510.

Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $82,640 is significantly lower than the national average of $103,510. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the disparity in purchasing power.

Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Architecture and Engineering Occupations?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($91,070) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.

How does the local salary compare to the national average for Architecture and Engineering?

The average annual salary in Northwest Iowa is $82,640, which is considerably lower than the national average of $103,510 for Architecture and Engineering Occupations.

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

The Location Quotient of 0.66 indicates that Architecture and Engineering Occupations are less concentrated in Northwest Iowa than the national average, suggesting a moderate presence in the local job market.

How does the cost of living in Northwest Iowa affect the salary?

Northwest Iowa has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the $82,640 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary would have nationally.

What is the total workforce size for Architecture and Engineering in this region?

There are approximately 1,600 individuals employed in Architecture and Engineering Occupations within the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,600 employees in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 10.921 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.