Average Electrical Engineers Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Electrical Engineers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $144,630. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $121,030, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher cost of doing business for specialized engineering talent. The robust compensation reflects the unique economic drivers and industry needs within this specific metropolitan region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $144,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 72.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $216,945.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area supports a local workforce of 380 Electrical Engineers. With a Location Quotient of 0.76, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not oversaturated market. The presence of nearly one job per thousand workers (0.927) indicates consistent opportunities for skilled electrical engineers within this region.
Salary Overview
The average Electrical Engineers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns+19.5%above the national average.
$69.5
$2,781
$12,053
Electrical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Electrical Engineers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for specialized skills, and advancements in electrical engineering technologies likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation.
Electrical Engineers Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Salary progression for Electrical Engineers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, like elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior engineers with extensive project management and design expertise can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight the substantial financial rewards associated with career advancement and specialization within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $76,480 | $36.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $108,473 | $52.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $110,350 | $53.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $180,788 | $86.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $216,945 | $104.3 |
Detailed Electrical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$144,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$144,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $144,630 in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is particularly attractive when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely at the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Electrical Engineer's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without the premium often associated with higher-paying metropolitan areas.
Job Market Context
380
Total Jobs
0.927
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.76x the national average concentration of Electrical Engineers 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 0.76 for Electrical Engineers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, suggests that the concentration of these professionals is slightly lower than the national average. This indicates that while there is a solid presence of electrical engineering talent, the market may be less competitive than in areas with a higher LQ, potentially offering more favorable conditions for job seekers or those looking to establish engineering services.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Electrical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Electrical Engineers Salary | $116,540↓ 19% | 31 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Electrical Engineers Salary | $103,840↓ 28% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Hiring Electrical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Electrical Engineers make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Electrical Engineers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $144,630. This typically ranges from $76,480 for entry-level positions to $216,945 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 19.5% higher than the national median of $121,030.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Electrical Engineers?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Electrical Engineers.The average salary of $144,630 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering excellent purchasing power.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Electrical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($116,540) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Electrical Engineer salary in Des Moines compare to the national average?
Electrical Engineers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, earn an average of $144,630 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $121,030.
What is the concentration of Electrical Engineers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.76, indicating a slightly lower presence of Electrical Engineers compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA affect salary value?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $144,630 salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.76 imply for the job market?
A Location Quotient of 0.76 suggests that while Electrical Engineers are present, the market is not as saturated as the national average, potentially indicating good opportunities for skilled professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.927 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Electrical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA