Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Des Moines, IA: $42.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Des Moines, IA runs $42.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,986 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,791 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, IA, mechanical engineers earn a median hourly pay of $42.30, which is comparatively lower than the national hourly median of $51.51. This difference is notable for those considering part-time opportunities or per-diem work in various engineering sectors like aerospace, automotive, and HVAC systems. Working part-time at three days a week could yield around $32,256 annually without benefits, proving attractive for engineers seeking to balance professional and personal commitments. For hourly rates, the pay range spans from $35.02 for entry-level positions to $66.11 for seasoned experts, reflecting the diverse opportunities available across engineering settings, including CAD-equipped offices and manufacturing plants. These figures are based on the 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, indicating a steady demand for skilled engineers in the region.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.02 | $280.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.15 | $313.21 |
| Median (P50) | $42.30 | $338.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.42 | $419.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.11 | $528.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $42.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.30/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $87,984 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,760. 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) | $1,692.00 | $7,332 | $87,984 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,015.20 | $4,399 | $52,791 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $676.80 | $2,933 | $35,194 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Des Moines) | $42.30 |
| 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 Des Moines, IA earn a median of $87,986 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.89% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 10.20% below the Iowa state average of $97,980.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.30/hr = $52,791/year (purchasing power: $57,568).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,984/year (purchasing power: $95,947).
CoL index: 91.701 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Des Moines grew 16.5% from $35.27/hr (2019) to $41.10/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.54/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 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 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 Des Moines
Part-time mechanical engineers in Des Moines, working 24 hours a week, could expect to earn a total annual income significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Alternatively, those in per-diem roles or contract positions often command much higher rates, commonly ranging from $90 to $160 per hour for general engineering tasks, while specialized roles—such as HVAC professionals or aerospace engineers—can see hourly rates escalating to between $100 and $220, particularly for those holding security clearances. The hourly dollar figures vary across employers, with automotive giants like Tesla and Rivian matching the rising pay trends seen in the aerospace sector, thanks to demand for innovative design and the implementation of electric vehicles. However, many engineers may choose to accept lower pay with the stability of benefits when working in more traditional companies. This trade-off often influences negotiation strategies, encouraging engineers to research specific employer compensation packages effectively while advancing their careers in Des Moines’ evolving job market.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 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 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