Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Mechanical Engineers in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $96,790. This figure is notably below the national average of $109,640, reflecting the unique economic drivers and industry concentrations present in this specific region. Factors such as local industry demand and the cost of doing business significantly influence compensation levels for specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $96,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $128,720.
- Outlook: The Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area supports a robust local workforce of 750 Mechanical Engineers, indicating a stable demand for these professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.99, the concentration of Mechanical Engineers is nearly double the national average, suggesting a specialized and potentially high-demand job market within this region.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-11.7%below the national average.
$46.5
$1,861
$8,066
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Mechanical Engineer salaries in Southeast Iowa have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and increased industry activity in nonmetropolitan areas often lead to upward pressure on specialized engineering salaries, aiming to attract and retain talent.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Southeast Iowa typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at lower percentiles, while senior engineers with extensive expertise and project management skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the region.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $66,420 | $31.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $72,593 | $34.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $99,320 | $47.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $120,988 | $58.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $128,720 | $61.9 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$96,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$96,790
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $96,790 in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Mechanical Engineer's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
750
Total Jobs
3.709
Per 1K Jobs
1.99
Location Quotient
Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 2.0x 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 1.99 signifies that Mechanical Engineers are significantly more concentrated in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This suggests a specialized job market where employers may actively seek out this talent pool, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for skilled engineers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $101,570↑ 5% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $100,910↑ 4% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $104,870↑ 8% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $92,920↓ 4% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $100,030↑ 3% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $96,790. This typically ranges from $66,420 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 11.7% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary of $96,790 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, maintaining purchasing power. The high concentration of engineers (LQ 1.99) indicates strong local demand.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($101,570) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the local Mechanical Engineer salary compare to the national average?
Mechanical Engineers in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average of $96,790 annually, which is approximately $12,850 less than the national average of $109,640.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.99 mean for Mechanical Engineers in this area?
A Location Quotient of 1.99 indicates that Mechanical Engineers are nearly twice as concentrated in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average, suggesting a specialized and potentially robust local job market for this profession.
How does the Cost of Living in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is at the national average. This means the $96,790 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it relatively stable despite being below the national salary benchmark.
What is the total number of Mechanical Engineers in this region?
There are approximately 750 Mechanical Engineers employed in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area, representing a significant portion of the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 750 employees in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.709 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area