Mechanical Engineer Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The median mechanical engineer salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $84,753 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.
Mechanical Engineer Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)
Cedar Rapids offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $84,753, which is $963 below the Iowa state average of $85,716. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $84,753 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,310 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for mechanical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for mechanical engineers in Cedar Rapids spans from $55,792 at the 10th percentile to $128,656 at the 90th percentile — a $72,864 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $121,440. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience
In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA
| Percentile | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $55,792 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,344 |
| Median (50th) | $84,753 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,248 |
| 90th Percentile | $128,656 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Iowa Cities
How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Cedar Rapids
Education
Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Cedar Rapids and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Cedar Rapids may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Cedar Rapids
Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Cedar Rapids, IA: