Mechanical Engineer Salary in Cedar Falls, IA: $93,310 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Cedar Falls, IA earns a median $93,310/year (≈ $44.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Cedar Falls's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $103,219 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cedar Falls, Iowa, mechanical engineers can anticipate a median annual salary of $93,310 in 2026. This figure reflects the local market's response to competitive pressures, particularly as companies like SpaceX and Tesla influence overall compensation through stock options and other equity-rich packages. Salaries for mechanical engineers in the area range from $65,244 at the 10th percentile to $139,868 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a significant variance based on factors such as industry, experience, and additional qualifications. These projections are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for regional cost variances.
About the Cedar Falls Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,244 | $31.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,302 | $38.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,310 | $44.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,827 | $55.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $139,868 | $67.25 |
Median Salary Position
12.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Falls
In Cedar Falls, IA, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $74,624 (2026 est.). At $93,310, the local median is 12.92% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cedar Falls: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cedar Falls Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Cedar Falls median: $93,310/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cedar Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $98,015 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -12.92% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Cedar Falls, IA earn a median of $93,310 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.92% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 4.80% below the Iowa state average of $98,015.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cedar Falls 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.
Cedar Falls, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $93,310 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $103,219 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$77,008
2025 BLS Actual
$90,663
2026 Current Est.
$93,310
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Cedar Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,008 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,515 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,991 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,870 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,657 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,393 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,663 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,310 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,035 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cedar Falls metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $77,008 (2019) to $90,663 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $96,035 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,027 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Falls 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $65,244 – $79,302 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,302 – $93,310 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,310 – $115,827 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,827 – $139,868 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Cedar Falls
The job market in Cedar Falls currently employs a modest number of mechanical engineers, totaling just eight individuals. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4, engineers in this city have enhanced purchasing power compared to many other regions. Employers from high-paying industries like aerospace and automotive, especially companies like SpaceX and Tesla, have reshaped the local landscape for mechanical engineer pay in Cedar Falls, IA, by offering more competitive salaries. Factors such as the need for security clearances in defense, industrial complexity, and the potential for holding a Professional Engineer (PE) license can further accentuate the pay spectrum. To maximize earnings in this market, aspiring mechanical engineers should consider pursuing specialized certifications, seeking roles in high-demand sectors, and focusing on continuous professional development to advance into management or technical leadership positions.
More salary data for Cedar Falls, 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
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 $90,663 for mechanical engineersin the Cedar Falls metropolitan area. A 2.92% 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 Cedar Falls 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 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