Engineering Iowa (IA) Rank #39 of 50

Electrical Engineer Salary in Iowa

The median electrical engineer salary in Iowa is $93,103 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $104,610.

Median Salary
$93,103
vs National
$-11,507
State Rank
#39 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Electrical Engineer Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)

Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for electrical engineer compensation. Electrical Engineer salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $93,103 per year, electrical engineers in Iowa earn $11,507 less than the national median of $104,610.

A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $93,103 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $104,610 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Iowa is significant: electrical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $58,740, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $144,180 — a $85,440 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Iowa for this role is Iowa City, where the median reaches $99,380.

Nationally, electrical engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for electrical engineers across the country.

Electrical Engineer Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level electrical engineer earns around $60,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,950 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,520
$-7,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$94,340
$-11,660 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$137,950
$-17,050 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $58,740
25th Percentile $73,870
Median (50th) $93,103
75th Percentile $117,480
90th Percentile $144,180

Electrical Engineer Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for electrical engineers in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Electrical Engineer in Iowa

Education

Most electrical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Iowa has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Circuit DesignMATLABPCB DesignPower SystemsControl SystemsEmbedded Systems

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, electrical engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Electrical Engineer Salary in Iowa

How much does a Electrical Engineer make in Iowa? ▼
The median electrical engineer salary in Iowa is $93,103 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $104,610. Salaries range from $58,740 (10th percentile) to $144,180 (90th percentile).
How much does a Electrical Engineer make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $93,103, a electrical engineer in Iowa earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for electrical engineers? ▼
Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for electrical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level electrical engineers earn $60,520, while senior professionals earn $137,950.
How does Iowa compare to other states for electrical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for electrical engineers is Hawaii at $177,837. Iowa's median of $93,103 ranks #39 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($94,149) and Ohio ($94,149).
What is the entry-level electrical engineer salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level electrical engineer in Iowa earns approximately $60,520 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $94,340. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $137,950.
What city in Iowa pays electrical engineers the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for electrical engineers, with a median salary of $99,380. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.