SalaryNode

Average Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA

In Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, professionals in Architecture and Engineering Occupations earn an average annual salary of $94,090. This figure is notably below the national average of $103,510, suggesting that local economic factors and industry demand play a significant role in compensation within this region. The presence of a substantial local workforce of 1,220 individuals further contextualizes this salary landscape.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $94,090 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $133,670.
  • Outlook: The Architecture and Engineering sector in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, supports a local workforce of 1,220 individuals, with 14.271 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 0.86 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not a major hub for this specific industry, the steady presence of these jobs suggests a consistent, albeit not booming, demand within the regional economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$94,090

The average Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earns-9.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$45.2

Weekly

$1,809

Monthly

$7,841

Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Distribution in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA

Salary progression within Architecture and Engineering Occupations typically sees significant increases with experience. Entry-level positions might start considerably lower than the $94,090 average, while senior engineers and architects, with extensive project management and design expertise, can command salaries well above this figure. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight the substantial career growth and earning potential available to those who advance within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$56,000$26.9
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$70,568$33.9
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$88,800$42.7
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$117,613$56.5
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$133,670$64.3

Detailed Architecture and Engineering Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$94,090

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$94,090

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $94,090 in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas. This equilibrium suggests that the nominal salary provides a comparable standard of living to that found nationwide.

Job Market Context

1,220

Total Jobs

14.271

Per 1K Jobs

0.86

Location Quotient

Below Average

Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA has 0.86x 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 0.86, the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, market for Architecture and Engineering Occupations is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the field is present and supported by a local workforce of 1,220, it is not a dominant industry in the region. This could imply a moderately competitive job market, where opportunities exist but may require more targeted searching compared to areas with a higher concentration of these roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Architecture and Engineering Occupations make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?

The median annual salary for a Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $94,090. This typically ranges from $56,000 for entry-level positions to $133,670 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 9.1% lower than the national median of $103,510.

Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a lucrative place for Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $94,090 is below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, indicating no significant financial advantage.

Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live for Architecture and Engineering Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($91,920) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Waterloo-Cedar Falls salary compare to the national average?

The average salary of $94,090 in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, is lower than the national average of $103,510 for Architecture and Engineering Occupations.

What is the cost of living in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?

The cost of living in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, is at the national average, with a Cost of Living Index of 100.

How concentrated are Architecture and Engineering jobs in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?

The concentration of these jobs, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.86, which is slightly below the national average of 1.0.

What is the size of the Architecture and Engineering workforce in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?

There are approximately 1,220 individuals employed in Architecture and Engineering Occupations in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,220 employees in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area with a job density of 14.271 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.