Des Moines vs Marshalltown: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Des Moines, IA and Marshalltown, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Marshalltown, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,947▲ | $104,247 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.34▲ | $50.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,629▲ | $69,775 |
| 25th Percentile | $94,311▲ | $79,508 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,330▲ | $130,204 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,414▲ | $153,270 |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marshalltown.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Marshalltown is $6,700 (6.43%). 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,Marshalltown spans $83,495. Marshalltown 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, Des Moines ($120,988 effective) pays 4.92% more than Marshalltown ($115,317 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,414)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,988)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Marshalltown if…
- ✓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 14.5% growth in Marshalltown over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$75,740 (2019) → $107,040 (2025)
Marshalltown, IA
$87,821 (2024) → $100,576 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Marshalltown, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Des Moines or Marshalltown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Marshalltown?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Marshalltown as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Des Moines vs Marshalltown?
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