Engineering Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median mechanical engineer salary in Des Moines, IA is $88,605 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$88,605
vs State Avg
+$2,889
vs National
$-7,705
Cost of Living
92%

Mechanical Engineer Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $88,605, which is $2,889 above the Iowa state average of $85,716. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Des Moines spans from $58,328 at the 10th percentile to $134,504 at the 90th percentile — a $76,176 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,800, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $126,960. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $59,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $126,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,800
$-5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,320
$-7,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$126,960
$-11,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $58,328
25th Percentile $72,496
Median (50th) $88,605
75th Percentile $110,032
90th Percentile $134,504

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$91,495
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$84,753
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$82,827
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$80,900
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Des Moines

Education

Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $88,605 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $58,328 (10th percentile) to $134,504 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,605, a mechanical engineer in Des Moines earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Des Moines's median mechanical engineer salary of $88,605 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $85,716. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $88,605 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Des Moines? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Des Moines require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include SolidWorks/CAD, Thermodynamics, FEA, Manufacturing. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.