Mechanical Engineer Salary in Clinton, IA: $91,991 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Clinton, IA earns a median $91,991/year (≈ $44.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Clinton's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $101,760 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For mechanical engineers in Clinton, IA, the projected median annual salary of $91,991 for 2026 reflects a competitive compensation landscape, although it remains about 14.15% lower than the national median of $107,150. This figure is indicative of the full salary range in the area, which spans from $70,696 at the lower end to $138,510 for top earners. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living metrics suggesting a more accessible economic environment. In Clinton, local employment options may shape salary prospects, particularly as technological advancements and developments in the automotive and aerospace sectors introduce new dynamics into the compensation narrative.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,696 | $33.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,796 | $36.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,991 | $44.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,226 | $55.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $138,510 | $66.59 |
Median Salary Position
14.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clinton
In Clinton, IA, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,814 (2026 est.). At $91,991, the local median is 14.15% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clinton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clinton Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Clinton median: $91,991/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clinton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $98,071 | -6.20% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -14.15% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Clinton, IA earn a median of $91,991 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.15% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 6.20% below the Iowa state average of $98,071.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clinton 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.
Clinton, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $91,991 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $101,760 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,919
2025 BLS Actual
$89,381
2026 Current Est.
$91,991
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,919 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,405 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,817 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,685 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,432 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,043 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,381 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,991 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,677 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clinton metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $75,919 (2019) to $89,381 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,677 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,758 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clinton 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) | $70,696 – $76,796 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,796 – $91,991 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,991 – $115,226 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,226 – $138,510 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Clinton
With only six mechanical engineers employed in Clinton, the local job market is quite niche and largely influenced by broader economic trends. The cost-of-living index stands at 90.4, hinting at a slightly lower financial burden compared to national averages, which can enhance purchasing power for engineers. Notably, employers in the automotive and aerospace industries, such as Tesla and SpaceX, are likely to offer higher pay in contrast to the general manufacturing sector. A key driver for salary variation lies in specific industry demands; aerospace roles can command higher compensation due to necessary security clearances and the allure of equity in tech-adjacent firms. Aspiring engineers should consider pursuing licensure, such as the PE designation, or focusing on industries known for robust compensation, ensuring they stay competitive within Clinton's unique market.
More salary data for Clinton, 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 $89,381 for mechanical engineersin the Clinton 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 Clinton 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