Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Des Moines, IA: $53.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Des Moines, IA runs $53.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $110,947 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $58.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,566 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, Iowa, electrical engineers earn a median hourly rate of $53.34, which is notably lower than the national median of $60.11. This disparity reflects local market conditions and economic factors. For those seeking part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this translates into a manageable income, enabling a comfortable lifestyle while allowing for flexibility, especially in environments like semiconductor fabrication clean rooms or tech company labs filled with advanced equipment. For entry-level engineers, the hourly rates begin around $38.77, while top earners can command as much as $76.64, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics data based on 2025 figures projected for 2026. These positions often involve critical responsibilities in settings that require specialized skills, including remote work that utilizes CAD and simulation software.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.77 | $310.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.35 | $362.77 |
| Median (P50) | $53.34 | $426.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.58 | $516.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.64 | $613.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $53.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.34/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $110,944 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,006. With a cost-of-living index of 91.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,133.53 | $9,245 | $110,944 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,280.12 | $5,547 | $66,566 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $853.41 | $3,698 | $44,377 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Des Moines) | $53.34 |
| Mechanical Engineer (National Avg) | $48.61 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer (National Avg) | $69.00 |
| Electronics Engineer (National Avg) | $58.25 |
| Electrical Engineering Technician (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Electrical Engineers in Des Moines, IA earn a median of $110,947 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.27% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 1.40% above the Iowa state average of $109,415.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.34/hr = $66,566/year (purchasing power: $72,590).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $110,944/year (purchasing power: $120,984).
CoL index: 91.701 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Des Moines grew 41.3% from $36.41/hr (2019) to $51.46/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.29/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem electrical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Electrical Engineer in Des Moines
Part-time electrical engineers working in Des Moines can potentially earn about $62,584 annually for 24 hours of work per week, a figure that demonstrates a substantial income, albeit lower than a full-time position. With the rise of per-diem and contract work, many electrical engineers explore opportunities billing at rates of $90 to $170 per hour. For those with security clearances, particularly in defense contracting roles, hourly pay can be significantly higher, ranging from $150 to $280. Additionally, specialized consultancy roles in chip design or as expert witnesses can fetch hourly rates of $200 to $600, clearly illustrating the vast potential in the electrical engineering sector. As local demand varies, it's crucial to understand that employers such as tech giants and defense contractors often offer different compensation structures. Engineers may find themselves deciding between lower hourly rates with benefits or higher rates without, creating a compelling negotiation environment. Fostering connections and understanding the nuances of employer types in Des Moines can greatly influence earning potential in this field.
More salary data for 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for electrical engineers in Des Moines. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov