Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Cedar Rapids, IA: $41.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Cedar Rapids, IA runs $41.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,101 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Cedar Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.0, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,264 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cedar Rapids, mechanical engineers can expect a median hourly pay of $41.88, which is notably lower than the national average of $51.51. This discrepancy might influence the decisions of part-time professionals and those considering per-diem roles within sectors like aerospace or automotive engineering. A typical part-time schedule of three days a week could yield substantial annual earnings, especially for those who find opportunities on manufacturing plant floors or in remote/hybrid settings requiring advanced simulation software. Entry-level positions start at around $33.68 per hour, while top earners, particularly those engaged in specialized fields or contract work, can reach rates as high as $66.80 per hour, as indicated by official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.68 | $269.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.11 | $304.89 |
| Median (P50) | $41.88 | $335.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.96 | $407.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.80 | $534.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cedar Rapids
Based on $41.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.88/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cedar Rapids, IA can expect to earn approximately $87,107 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,254. With a cost-of-living index of 88.96 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cedar Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cedar Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,675.13 | $7,259 | $87,107 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,005.08 | $4,355 | $52,264 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $670.05 | $2,904 | $34,843 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Cedar Rapids) | $41.88 |
| Civil Engineer (National Avg) | $47.06 |
| Electrical Engineer (National Avg) | $54.18 |
| Industrial Engineer (National Avg) | $47.50 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
Mechanical Engineers in Cedar Rapids, IA earn a median of $87,101 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.71% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 11.10% below the Iowa state average of $97,977.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.88/hr = $52,264/year (purchasing power: $58,748).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,107/year (purchasing power: $97,913).
CoL index: 88.963 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+4.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Cedar Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Cedar Rapids grew -1.3% from $41.21/hr (2019) to $40.69/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.10/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem mechanical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Rapids 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 2.92% 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 Mechanical Engineer in Cedar Rapids
Examining the part-time earning potential for a mechanical engineer working in Cedar Rapids reveals valuable financial insights. A mechanical engineer putting in 24 hours a week might take home an adjusted annual income that differs significantly from their full-time peers, often opting for flexibility over a steady salary. Additionally, per-diem or contract work often commands much higher hourly wages, with rates ranging from $90 to $220 depending on specialization, such as HVAC, aerospace, or high-stakes consulting roles. Certain employers in Cedar Rapids, particularly in automotive or defense sectors, typically offer hourly rates reflective of specific skill requirements and market demand. Many engineers face a trade-off between accepting lower wages that provide essential benefits versus aiming for higher pay with fewer perks. Negotiation tips for those in the field might include emphasizing unique skill sets or industry certifications to secure better hourly rates in competitive sectors.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Cedar Rapids in 2026?
How much do part-time mechanical engineers make in Cedar Rapids?
Are mechanical engineers in Cedar Rapids paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time mechanical engineer make per year in Cedar Rapids?
Do mechanical engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Cedar Rapids?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
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 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for mechanical engineers in Cedar Rapids. 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 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov