Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
Mechanical Engineers in Cedar Rapids, IA, can expect an average annual salary of $92,920. This figure is notably below the national average of $109,640, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially industry-specific demand in Cedar Rapids influence compensation levels. While the nominal salary is lower, understanding the local economic context is crucial for a complete picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $92,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.5% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $133,180.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 400 Mechanical Engineers, Cedar Rapids presents a concentrated market. The Location Quotient of 1.53 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting robust demand or a strong presence of industries that heavily rely on mechanical engineering talent. This concentration points to a stable, albeit specialized, job market for these engineers within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Cedar Rapids, IA earns-15.2%below the national average.
$44.7
$1,787
$7,743
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Mechanical Engineers in Cedar Rapids have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and the increasing complexity of engineering projects typically drive upward salary adjustments, ensuring that compensation remains competitive within the local market.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Cedar Rapids, IA
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Cedar Rapids, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior engineers with specialized skills and a proven track record command significantly higher salaries. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level compensation reflects the value placed on expertise and years of dedicated service in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $65,520 | $31.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $69,690 | $33.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $82,890 | $39.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $116,150 | $55.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $133,180 | $64 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$92,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$92,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average Mechanical Engineer salary of $92,920 in Cedar Rapids aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an engineer's salary in Cedar Rapids is equivalent to that of an engineer earning the national average in a location with a national average cost of living. Therefore, the nominal salary translates directly to the national standard of living.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
2.839
Per 1K Jobs
1.53
Location Quotient
Cedar Rapids, IA has 1.5x the national concentration of Mechanical Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.53 for Mechanical Engineers in Cedar Rapids signifies a market where these professionals are 53% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a strong local demand for mechanical engineering expertise, potentially driven by specific industries or a cluster of related businesses. While this indicates a healthy job market, it also implies a competitive environment among engineers vying for these specialized roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $100,030↑ 8% | 23 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $104,870↑ 13% | 50 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Mechanical Engineers Salary | $103,880↑ 12% | 62 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $96,790↑ 4% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Cedar Rapids, IA
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Cedar Rapids, IA?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Cedar Rapids, IA is $92,920. This typically ranges from $65,520 for entry-level positions to $133,180 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Cedar Rapids, IA is 15.2% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Cedar Rapids, IA a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
Yes, relative to the cost of living.While the average salary of $92,920 is below the national average, Cedar Rapids' cost of living index of 100 means your earnings have the same purchasing power as the national average. The high concentration of Mechanical Engineers (LQ 1.53) also suggests strong local demand.
Is Cedar Rapids, IA a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Cedar Rapids, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Cedar Rapids, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Iowa City, IA ($100,030) and Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the national average salary for Mechanical Engineers?
The average salary for Mechanical Engineers in Cedar Rapids, IA, is $92,920, which is lower than the national average of $109,640.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Cedar Rapids, IA, has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Mechanical Engineers in Cedar Rapids?
Mechanical Engineers are more concentrated in Cedar Rapids than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.53, indicating a 53% higher presence.
How many Mechanical Engineers are there in Cedar Rapids?
There are approximately 400 Mechanical Engineers working in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Cedar Rapids, IA area with a job density of 2.839 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Mechanical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA