Mechanical Engineer Salary in Iowa
Based on 3K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$97,700
$46.97/hr
vs National Average
$105,416
-7.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$71K – $138K
3K employed in Iowa
Mechanical Engineer salary in Iowa averages $97,700 per year, with approximately 3,470 professionals employed throughout the state. While this represents a solid career path in Iowa's engineering sector, it falls about 7% below the national average. The salary range spans from $71,050 to $137,540 annually, reflecting significant variation across experience levels and specializations.
Several factors influence Mechanical Engineer salary in Iowa, including years of experience, educational credentials, and industry sector. Engineers working in manufacturing or aerospace typically earn more than those in smaller firms or emerging sectors. Geographic location within Iowa, company size, and specialized certifications also play important roles in determining compensation levels for mechanical engineers in the state.
Salary Distribution — Mechanical Engineer in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $71,050 |
| 25th percentile | $79,770 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $97,700 |
| 75th percentile | $108,580 |
| 90th percentile | $137,540 |
Mechanical Engineer H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Iowa
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Iowa.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level II | Qualified | $101,000 | 7 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Mechanical Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Mechanical Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Mechanical Engineers in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $175,610 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $138,030 | 1K |
| Utilities | $135,150 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $128,760 | 100 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,390 | 12K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Mechanical Engineer in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $84,800 |
| 2023 | $97,120 |
| 2024 | $97,570 |
| 2025 | $97,700 |
| 2026 (projected) | $97,830 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $84,800 | $92,043 |
| 2023 | $97,120 | $97,128 |
| 2024 | $97,570 | $102,901 |
| 2025 | $97,700 | $105,416 |
| 2026 (projected) | $97,830 | $105,556 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $79,770 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $97,700 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $108,580 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $137,540 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Mechanical Engineer Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Mechanical Engineer ($97,700 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mechanical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in IA | $147,320 | +50.8% | $70.83/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in IA | $117,590 | +20.4% | $56.53/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in IA | $105,820 | +8.3% | $50.88/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in IA | $97,690 | -0.0% | $46.97/hr |
| Civil Engineer in IA | $96,430 | -1.3% | $46.36/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in IA | $94,830 | -2.9% | $45.59/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in IA | $81,710 | -16.4% | $39.28/hr |
| Materials Engineer in IA | $64,270 | -34.2% | $30.90/hr |
| Physical Therapist in IA | $97,560 | -0.1% | $46.90/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in IA | $96,540 | -1.2% | $46.41/hr |
| Economist in IA | $96,310 | -1.4% | $46.30/hr |
| Construction Manager in IA | $99,280 | +1.6% | $47.73/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in Iowa?
- Mechanical engineers in Iowa earn a median salary of $97,700 per year, or approximately $47 per hour. This is about 7.3% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for mechanical engineers in Iowa?
- The salary range for mechanical engineers in Iowa spans from $71,050 at the lower end to $137,540 at the higher end, depending on experience, employer, and specialization.
How many mechanical engineers are employed in Iowa?
- There are currently 3,470 mechanical engineers employed in Iowa, representing a stable employment base for the profession in the state.
Is the mechanical engineer salary in Iowa below the national average?
- Yes, the median mechanical engineer salary in Iowa of $97,700 annually is 7.3% lower than the national average for this profession.