Des Moines vs Iowa City: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Des Moines, IA and Iowa City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,947▲ | $110,906 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.34▲ | $53.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,629 | $87,667▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $94,311 | $103,391▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $134,330▲ | $133,118 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,414 | $167,799▲ |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Iowa City.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Iowa City is $41 (0.04%). Des Moines's median is -11.27% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $78,785,Iowa City spans $80,132. Iowa City 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, Iowa City ($121,197 effective) pays 0.17% more than Des Moines ($120,988 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,947/year)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,799)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,197)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Des Moines grew 41.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.2% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$75,740 (2019) → $107,040 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$97,090 (2021) → $107,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Des Moines or Iowa City?
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Should I relocate from Des Moines to Iowa City as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Des Moines vs Iowa City?
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