verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Iowa

Median Annual in Iowa
$97,700/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$46.97/hr
▼ 6% below U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Iowa

groups Employed in IA
3,470
public U.S. Median
$104,110
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$111,324 #18 of 51

Mechanical Engineer pay in Iowa, explained

Mechanical engineers in Iowa earn a median of $97,700 per year ($46.97 per hour), which is 6% below the national median of $104,110. Entry-level workers earn around $71,050, while the most experienced mechanical engineers reach about $137,540. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Iowa.

Is $97,700 good pay in Iowa?

Adjusted for Iowa's cost of living (which runs 88% of the U.S. average), that $97,700 is worth about $111,324 in national buying power — ranking Iowa #18 for real pay (vs #42 on the sticker number).

See the full Mechanical Engineer Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Mechanical Engineer pay by experience in Iowa

Entry level (10th pct)
$71,050
$34.16/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$97,700
$46.97/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$137,540
$66.12/hr

Mechanical Engineer pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs IA
Iowa (here) $97,700 $111,324
Illinois $102,680 $102,723 −$4,980
Missouri $99,330 $109,374 −$1,630
Minnesota $99,140 $100,526 −$1,440
Wisconsin $95,870 $101,886 +$1,830
South Dakota $88,380 $99,767 +$9,320
Nebraska $88,060 $97,733 +$9,640

Mechanical Engineer in Iowa: FAQ

How much do mechanical engineers make in Iowa?

Mechanical engineers in Iowa earn a median of $97,700 per year ($46.97 per hour), compared with $104,110 nationally.

Does Iowa pay mechanical engineers well?

At $97,700, Iowa pays 6% below the national median for mechanical engineers. An estimated 3,470 work in the state.

Mechanical Engineer salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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