Retail & Sales Iowa (IA) Rank #39 of 50

Sales Engineer Salary in Iowa

The median sales engineer salary in Iowa is $96,592 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $108,530.

Median Salary
$96,592
vs National
$-11,938
State Rank
#39 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Sales Engineer Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)

Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for sales engineer compensation. Sales Engineer salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $96,592 per year, sales engineers in Iowa earn $11,938 less than the national median of $108,530.

A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $96,592 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $108,530 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Iowa is significant: sales engineers at the 10th percentile earn $55,180, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $158,420 — a $103,240 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 $103,104.

Nationally, sales engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for sales engineers across the country.

Sales Engineer Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level sales engineer earns around $57,850, while experienced professionals earn up to $151,300 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,850
$-7,150 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,900
$-12,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$151,300
$-18,700 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $55,180
25th Percentile $72,980
Median (50th) $96,592
75th Percentile $126,380
90th Percentile $158,420

Sales Engineer Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for sales 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 Sales Engineer in Iowa

Education

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

Key Skills

Technical KnowledgeSalesProduct DemosSolution SellingCRMClient Management

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, sales engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Sales Engineer Salary in Iowa

How much does a Sales Engineer make in Iowa? ▼
The median sales engineer salary in Iowa is $96,592 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $108,530. Salaries range from $55,180 (10th percentile) to $158,420 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sales Engineer make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,592, a sales engineer in Iowa earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for sales engineers? ▼
Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for sales engineer pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level sales engineers earn $57,850, while senior professionals earn $151,300.
How does Iowa compare to other states for sales engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for sales engineers is Hawaii at $184,501. Iowa's median of $96,592 ranks #39 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($97,677) and Ohio ($97,677).
What is the entry-level sales engineer salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level sales engineer in Iowa earns approximately $57,850 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $97,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $151,300.
What city in Iowa pays sales engineers the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for sales engineers, with a median salary of $103,104. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.