Average Industrial Engineers Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Industrial Engineers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, earn an average annual salary of $103,960. This figure is slightly below the national average of $107,860, suggesting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and industry demand within the area. Despite the minor difference, the stability of the cost of living provides a strong baseline for understanding the real value of this income.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $103,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $128,720.
- Outlook: The Waterloo-Cedar Falls area supports a robust local workforce of 360 Industrial Engineers, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.87. This concentration significantly exceeds the national average, pointing to a strong and established demand for these professionals within the region's industrial landscape. With 4.238 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market demonstrates a healthy presence and ongoing need for specialized engineering talent.
Salary Overview
The average Industrial Engineers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earns-3.6%below the national average.
$50
$1,999
$8,663
Industrial Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Industrial Engineers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and increased demand for process optimization within the region's manufacturing and logistics sectors likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation, ensuring competitive pay for skilled professionals.
Industrial Engineers Salary Distribution in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Salary progression for Industrial Engineers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The increasing salary ranges observed from junior to senior roles reflect the growing responsibilities, expertise, and strategic value that experienced engineers bring to organizations.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $77,550 | $37.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $77,970 | $37.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $109,520 | $52.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $129,950 | $62.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $128,720 | $61.9 |
Detailed Industrial Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$103,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$103,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
An average annual salary of $103,960 in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Industrial Engineer's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added pressure of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
4.238
Per 1K Jobs
1.87
Location Quotient
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA has 1.9x the national concentration of Industrial Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.87 for Industrial Engineers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls signifies a market where these professionals are nearly twice as concentrated as the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive job market, suggesting that companies in the area highly value and actively seek out industrial engineering expertise, possibly due to a strong presence of manufacturing or related industries.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Industrial Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Industrial Engineers Salary | $101,710↓ 2% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Industrial Engineers Salary | $96,630↓ 7% | 55 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Industrial Engineers Salary | $90,640↓ 13% | 55 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Industrial Engineers Salary | $92,850↓ 11% | 55 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Industrial Engineers Salary | $89,700↓ 14% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Industrial Engineers make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median annual salary for a Industrial Engineers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $103,960. This typically ranges from $77,550 for entry-level positions to $128,720 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 3.6% lower than the national median of $107,860.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a lucrative place for Industrial Engineers?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to the cost of living.With an average salary of $103,960 and a cost of living index matching the national average, Waterloo-Cedar Falls provides strong purchasing power for Industrial Engineers. The high concentration of these roles further indicates a robust local demand.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live for Industrial Engineers?
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 ($101,710) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Waterloo-Cedar Falls salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Industrial Engineers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls is $103,960, which is slightly lower than the national average of $107,860.
What is the concentration of Industrial Engineers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.87, meaning Industrial Engineers are nearly twice as common in Waterloo-Cedar Falls compared to the national average.
What does a Cost of Living Index of 100 mean for Industrial Engineers?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 signifies that the cost of goods and services in Waterloo-Cedar Falls is exactly at the national average, making the $103,960 salary hold its value effectively.
How many Industrial Engineers work in Waterloo-Cedar Falls?
There are approximately 360 Industrial Engineers employed in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area, contributing to a significant local workforce concentration.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area with a job density of 4.238 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Industrial Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA