Cedar Rapids vs Ottumwa: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Ottumwa, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Ottumwa, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,169▲ | $101,838 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.00▲ | $48.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,842▲ | $71,710 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,256▲ | $82,198 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,117▲ | $126,000 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,117▲ | $146,860 |
| Total Employed | 390▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ottumwa.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Ottumwa is $6,331 (6.22%). Cedar Rapids's median is -13.49% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $72,275,Ottumwa spans $75,150. Ottumwa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($121,589 effective) pays 7.93% more than Ottumwa ($112,653 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,169/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($152,117)
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,589)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Ottumwa if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 2.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in Ottumwa over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$101,560 (2019) → $104,360 (2025)
Ottumwa, IA
$85,791 (2024) → $98,252 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Ottumwa, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Cedar Rapids or Ottumwa?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov