Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Mechanical Engineers in Northwest Iowa's nonmetropolitan area can expect an average annual salary of $86,780. This figure is notably below the national average of $109,640, reflecting the unique economic drivers and potentially lower demand for specialized engineering roles in more rural settings. The compensation is often influenced by the specific industries prevalent in the region and the overall cost of doing business.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $86,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $120,200.
- Outlook: The job market for Mechanical Engineers in Northwest Iowa appears stable, with a local workforce of 310 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.14 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a steady, albeit not booming, demand within the region's specific industrial landscape. The presence of these engineers per 1,000 workers (2.123) points to a consistent need for their expertise.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-20.9%below the national average.
$41.7
$1,669
$7,232
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that Mechanical Engineer salaries in Northwest Iowa have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for specialized skills, and the general economic climate likely contribute to a modest upward trajectory in compensation for these professionals.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Northwest Iowa typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior engineers with extensive project management and design expertise can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between lower and higher percentile earnings signifies robust career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on seasoned professionals within the local market.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $61,370 | $29.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $65,085 | $31.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $80,040 | $38.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $108,475 | $52.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $120,200 | $57.8 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$86,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$86,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $86,780 in Northwest Iowa aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the gross salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the lower nominal wage does not necessarily translate to a reduced standard of living in this specific region.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
2.123
Per 1K Jobs
1.14
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.14, Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Mechanical Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.14, Northwest Iowa's nonmetropolitan area shows a slightly higher concentration of Mechanical Engineers than the national average. This suggests that while the region isn't saturated, there is a discernible and slightly elevated demand for these professionals relative to the general workforce. The market is neither overly competitive nor scarce, indicating a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $101,570↑ 17% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $100,910↑ 16% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $104,870↑ 21% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $92,920↑ 7% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $100,030↑ 15% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $86,780. This typically ranges from $61,370 for entry-level positions to $120,200 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 20.9% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
No, not in terms of nominal salary compared to the national average.While the average salary of $86,780 is below the national average, the equivalent cost of living means purchasing power is comparable. However, 'lucrative' often implies higher earnings potential, which is not the case here.
Is Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($101,570) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Mechanical Engineers in Northwest Iowa is $86,780, which is significantly lower than the national average of $109,640.
What is the Cost of Living in Northwest Iowa compared to the national average?
Northwest Iowa's nonmetropolitan area has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the same as the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable.
How concentrated are Mechanical Engineer jobs in this region?
The Location Quotient of 1.14 suggests a slightly higher concentration of Mechanical Engineers in Northwest Iowa compared to the national average, indicating a steady regional demand.
What is the total number of Mechanical Engineers in Northwest Iowa?
There are approximately 310 Mechanical Engineers employed in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.123 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 Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area