Electrical Engineer Salary in West Des Moines, IA: $109,513 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in West Des Moines, IA earns a median $109,513/year (≈ $52.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in West Des Moines's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $121,143 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the electrical engineer salary in West Des Moines is projected to be $109,513, representing a competitive offering compared to the national median of $125,033. The local salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $72,012, while experienced professionals can command salaries as high as $167,133. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, are influenced by regional cost adjustments and the local demand for skilled engineers. As more organizations seek talent in this area, the potential for higher earnings remains strong, especially for those positions requiring security clearances in fields such as defense contracting.
About the West Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,012 | $34.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,946 | $39.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $109,513 | $52.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $139,565 | $67.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $167,133 | $80.35 |
Median Salary Position
12.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Des Moines
In West Des Moines, IA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $95,121 (2026 est.). At $109,513, the local median is 12.41% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in West Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Des Moines Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
West Des Moines median: $109,513/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $109,404 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $125,033 | -12.41% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Des Moines has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
West Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A electrical engineer earning $109,513 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $121,143 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$86,300
2025 BLS Actual
$105,657
2026 Current Est.
$109,513
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,300 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,315 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,956 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,496 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,675 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,107 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,657 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $109,513 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $113,511 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Des Moines metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $86,300 (2019) to $105,657 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $113,511 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,211 (31.53%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $72,012 – $82,946 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,946 – $109,513 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $109,513 – $139,565 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $139,565 – $167,133 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in West Des Moines
In West Des Moines, only 16 electrical engineers currently operate in the local job market, which may appear limited but can present unique opportunities for growth and advancement. The cost of living index stands at 90.4, indicating a favorable environment for maintaining take-home purchasing power relative to larger metropolitan areas. Employers offering competitive salaries among local industries include major tech companies, particularly those involved in semiconductors and chip design, as well as defense contractors, where additional compensation often hinges on security clearances. The disparity between the low and high ends of the pay spectrum can be largely attributed to the industry focus—engineering roles in chip design typically yield higher compensation than those in utilities or power systems. By pursuing specialized skills, obtaining security clearance, and considering additional credentials like a PE license, electrical engineers in West Des Moines IA can maximize their earning potential while navigating a market that rewards expertise and niche fields.
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $105,657 for electrical engineersin the West Des Moines metropolitan area. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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