Average Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
In the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Architecture and Engineering Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $79,640. This figure is notably below the national average of $103,510, a disparity often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the local market. The unique economic landscape and industry concentration within this area shape the compensation benchmarks for these specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $79,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $115,270.
- Outlook: The Architecture and Engineering sector in Southwest Iowa's nonmetropolitan area comprises a workforce of 640 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.52, the concentration of these jobs is below the national average, suggesting a less saturated but potentially less robust demand compared to more concentrated regions. The presence of 8.65 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit moderate, level of employment opportunities within this specialized field.
Salary Overview
The average Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-23.1%below the national average.
$38.3
$1,532
$6,637
Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Architecture and Engineering Occupations have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development, infrastructure projects, and evolving industry needs typically drive incremental increases in compensation, reflecting both inflation and increased demand for skilled professionals.
Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Distribution in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression within Architecture and Engineering Occupations typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive project management and design expertise command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on specialized knowledge and leadership.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $49,100 | $23.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $59,730 | $28.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $75,020 | $36.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $99,550 | $47.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $115,270 | $55.4 |
Detailed Architecture and Engineering Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$79,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$79,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $79,640 in Southwest Iowa's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely 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 this income is equivalent to the national standard. Consequently, the $79,640 salary offers a comparable lifestyle in terms of affordability to what a higher salary might provide in a more expensive region.
Job Market Context
640
Total Jobs
8.65
Per 1K Jobs
0.52
Location Quotient
Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.52x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.52 for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Southwest Iowa's nonmetropolitan area indicates that this field is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there may be fewer job opportunities compared to major metropolitan hubs, the market is less competitive for skilled professionals. Employers might face challenges in finding specialized talent, potentially leading to more favorable negotiation terms for experienced candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Architecture and Engineering Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $91,070↑ 14% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $95,260↑ 20% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $94,090↑ 18% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $91,920↑ 15% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $86,800↑ 9% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architecture and Engineering Occupations make in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $79,640. This typically ranges from $49,100 for entry-level positions to $115,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 23.1% lower than the national median of $103,510.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $79,640 is significantly lower than the national average of $103,510. However, the cost of living is at the national average, making the purchasing power of the salary equivalent to the national standard.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Architecture and Engineering Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($91,070) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 8.65 jobs per 1,000 workers, Southwest Iowa's nonmetropolitan area has a moderate presence of Architecture and Engineering roles relative to its population, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.52 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 0.52 signifies that Architecture and Engineering Occupations are less concentrated in Southwest Iowa compared to the rest of the nation, implying a less crowded job market but potentially fewer overall opportunities.
How does the cost of living impact the salary in Southwest Iowa?
The Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the $79,640 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, effectively offsetting the lower nominal wage compared to the national average.
What is the total workforce size for Architecture and Engineering in this region?
The total local workforce for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Southwest Iowa's nonmetropolitan area is 640 individuals, providing context for the scale of the industry in the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 640 employees in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.65 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Architecture and Engineering Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area