Mechanical Engineer.
Des Moines.
$77,000
median salary, 14% below the national average
$60,000 to $101,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
A Mechanical Engineer in Des Moines earns a median of $77,000 in 2026. That is 14% below the national average. The range runs from $60,000 to $101,000, and where you land depends on your experience, your skills, and how well you negotiate. Industry placement creates the widest pay gaps, with automotive, aerospace, and energy sector roles paying 15 to 30% more than HVAC or consumer products.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $69,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$50,000
to $62,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$65,000
to $81,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$85,000
to $100,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$96,000
to $119,000
Salary trend
+7% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $17,000 to the total package.
Base
$77,000
Equity
$9,000
Bonus
$6,000
Signing
$2,000
Estimated total: $94,000
How Des Moines compares
Des Moines, IA
$77,000
Cost of living: 14% below average
National Average
$90,000
Des Moines is $13,000 below
Mechanical Engineer salary by city
Salary by role in Des Moines
What you should know
The Mechanical Engineer landscape in Des Moines is not what most salary sites will tell you. Des Moines is a major insurance and financial services hub, home to Principal Financial, EMC Insurance, and a growing fintech community. The metro's extremely low cost of living and strong job market make it one of the best value cities for finance professionals. Tech employment is growing as insurtech companies expand. Industry placement creates the widest pay gaps, with automotive, aerospace, and energy sector roles paying 15 to 30% more than HVAC or consumer products. CAD/CAE proficiency, FEA simulation skills, and experience with additive manufacturing or robotics integration command premiums in the current market.
Entry-level mechanical engineers start at $70,000 to $82,000. Senior engineers earn $90,000 to $118,000 after five to seven years. Engineering managers reach $120,000 to $155,000, with directors at large manufacturers earning $160,000 to $200,000. In Des Moines, your dollars stretch further. Cost of living runs 14% below the national average, which means even a median salary buys a stronger lifestyle.
Base salary is not the full picture. Manufacturing firms offer bonuses of 5 to 12% tied to project milestones and cost savings. Automotive OEMs include profit-sharing of $3,000 to $12,000 annually. Many employers provide PE exam support and professional society membership fees. And on the tax side: iowa has a flat 3.8% state income tax. Des Moines has no city income tax. The low tax rate and affordable housing create strong purchasing power. When someone quotes you $77,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Benchmark against national insurance industry pay scales. Des Moines insurance employers must compete with remote offers from larger metros and will often match. The range for Mechanical Engineers in Des Moines runs from $60,000 to $101,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Operations Manager in Des Moines earns $78,000 (1% more)
- The highest-paying role in Des Moines is Chief AI Officer at $277,000
Common questions.
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