Technology Iowa (IA) Rank #40 of 50

Robotics Engineer Salary in Iowa

The median robotics engineer salary in Iowa is $86,172 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $100,200.

Median Salary
$86,172
vs National
$-14,028
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Robotics Engineer Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)

Iowa ranks #40 out of 50 states for robotics engineer compensation. Robotics Engineer salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $86,172 per year, robotics engineers in Iowa earn $14,028 less than the national median of $100,200.

A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $86,172 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $96,822 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Iowa is significant: robotics engineers at the 10th percentile earn $53,320, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $141,900 — a $88,580 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 $92,184.

Nationally, robotics engineer employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for robotics engineers across the country.

Robotics Engineer Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level robotics engineer earns around $55,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $135,880 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,900
$-9,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$87,720
$-14,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$135,880
$-22,120 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $53,320
25th Percentile $68,800
Median (50th) $86,172
75th Percentile $113,520
90th Percentile $141,900

Robotics Engineer Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for robotics 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 Robotics Engineer in Iowa

Education

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

Key Skills

ROSC++/PythonControl SystemsCADSensors/ActuatorsMachine Learning

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, robotics engineer employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Robotics Engineer Salary in Iowa

How much does a Robotics Engineer make in Iowa? ▼
The median robotics engineer salary in Iowa is $86,172 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $100,200. Salaries range from $53,320 (10th percentile) to $141,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Robotics Engineer make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,172, a robotics engineer in Iowa earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for robotics engineers? ▼
Iowa ranks #40 out of 50 states for robotics engineer pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level robotics engineers earn $55,900, while senior professionals earn $135,880.
How does Iowa compare to other states for robotics engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for robotics engineers is Hawaii at $165,330. Iowa's median of $86,172 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($87,174) and South Carolina ($87,174).
What is the entry-level robotics engineer salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level robotics engineer in Iowa earns approximately $55,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $87,720. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $135,880.
What city in Iowa pays robotics engineers the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for robotics engineers, with a median salary of $92,184. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.