Des Moines vs West Des Moines: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Des Moines, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,947▲ | $109,513 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.34▲ | $52.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,629▲ | $72,012 |
| 25th Percentile | $94,311▲ | $82,946 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,330 | $139,565▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,414 | $167,133▲ |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and West Des Moines is $1,434 (1.31%). 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,West Des Moines spans $95,121. West Des Moines 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, West Des Moines ($121,143 effective) pays 0.13% 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 West Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,133)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,143)
- ✓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 17.3% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$75,740 (2019) → $107,040 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$90,107 (2024) → $105,657 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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