Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in West Des Moines, IA: $52.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in West Des Moines, IA runs $52.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,513 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against West Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $58.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,712 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for electrical engineers in West Des Moines, Iowa, is projected to be $52.65, which is notably lower than the national median of $60.11. This difference illustrates the local market's conditions and the cost of living, which factors into compensation expectations. For professionals choosing part-time work, such as three days a week, the potential income may vary significantly based on hours worked—translating to a reasonable hourly wage while still allowing time for personal pursuits. The hourly rate for electrical engineers in West Des Moines ranges from $34.62 at the lower end to $80.35 at the higher spectrum, reflecting entry-level positions to experienced roles in high-demand environments like semiconductor fabrication plants or utility companies.
About the West Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.62 | $276.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.87 | $318.99 |
| Median (P50) | $52.65 | $421.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.10 | $536.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.35 | $642.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Des Moines
Based on $52.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.65/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $109,521 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,185. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,106.17 | $9,127 | $109,521 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,263.70 | $5,476 | $65,712 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $842.47 | $3,651 | $43,808 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (West Des Moines) | $52.65 |
| 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 West Des Moines, IA earn a median of $109,513 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.41% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 0.10% above the Iowa state average of $109,404.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.65/hr = $65,712/year (purchasing power: $72,691).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,521/year (purchasing power: $121,151).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in West Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in West Des Moines grew 22.4% from $41.49/hr (2019) to $50.80/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.58/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 West 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 West Des Moines
Considering the realities of part-time versus full-time work, an electrical engineer working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $66,504 annually, compared to those working full-time, who may earn up to $109,513. The per-diem electrical engineer pay in West Des Moines reveals an interesting contrast, with independent contractors often billing upwards of $90 to $170 per hour based on project requirements and expertise. Specialized consultants in high-demand fields such as chip design may attract hourly rates ranging from $200 to $400, driven by skill scarcity. Various employer types in the region, from tech giants like Apple and Intel to defense contractors like Northrop Grumman, typically offer different compensation structures. Engineers working in defense with security clearances can command even higher rates. With these factors in mind, professionals should weigh the choice between higher hourly rates devoid of benefits and stable positions offering insurance and retirement plans. Negotiation tips for hourly workers may include understanding the market rate, emphasizing unique qualifications, and remaining flexible with work arrangements, which can lead to more favorable compensation outcomes in West Des Moines, IA.
More salary data for 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
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 West 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
Salary data for West Des Moines is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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