Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Mechanical Engineers in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area earn an average annual salary of $104,870. This figure is slightly below the national average of $109,640, reflecting a localized market dynamic. Factors such as regional industry demand and the specific economic landscape of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metropolitan area contribute to this salary benchmark.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $104,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $172,750.
- Outlook: The Waterloo-Cedar Falls region supports a robust local workforce of 290 Mechanical Engineers. With a Location Quotient of 1.85, indicating a concentration nearly double the national average, there is a clear and sustained demand for these specialized professionals within the area's industrial base.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earns-4.4%below the national average.
$50.4
$2,017
$8,739
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Mechanical Engineers across the U.S., including in areas like Waterloo-Cedar Falls, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This upward trend is driven by ongoing technological advancements, increasing demand for innovative solutions, and the persistent need for skilled engineering talent.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior engineers with extensive expertise and specialized skills can significantly exceed the average. The widening salary gap between junior and senior roles underscores the substantial career advancement and earning potential available through experience and professional development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $62,100 | $29.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $78,653 | $37.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $97,570 | $46.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $131,088 | $63 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $172,750 | $83.1 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$104,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$104,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $104,870 in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, as indicated by the 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 standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
3.434
Per 1K Jobs
1.85
Location Quotient
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA has 1.9x 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.85 for Mechanical Engineers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls signifies a notable concentration of these professionals, suggesting a specialized and potentially competitive job market. This higher-than-average concentration indicates that the region has a strong presence of industries reliant on mechanical engineering expertise, creating both opportunities and a need for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $92,920↓ 11% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $96,790↓ 8% | 55 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $86,780↓ 17% | 55 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $88,520↓ 16% | 55 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $83,820↓ 20% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $104,870. This typically ranges from $62,100 for entry-level positions to $172,750 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 4.4% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.Mechanical Engineers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls earn $104,870 annually, which is on par with the national average cost of living. The strong concentration of engineers (LQ 1.85) also suggests robust local demand.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live for Mechanical 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 ($92,920) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Mechanical Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Mechanical Engineers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls is $104,870, which is slightly lower than the national average of $109,640.
What is the concentration of Mechanical Engineers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.85, indicating that Mechanical Engineers are employed in Waterloo-Cedar Falls at a rate nearly double the national average.
How does the cost of living in Waterloo-Cedar Falls affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $104,870 salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard, making it a financially stable location.
What does the total local workforce number imply for job seekers?
A total local workforce of 290 Mechanical Engineers suggests a stable, established market with consistent opportunities, though the high LQ indicates a specialized demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area with a job density of 3.434 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA