Mechanical Engineer Salary in Des Moines, WA: $109,662 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Des Moines, WA earns a median $109,662/year (≈ $52.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $102,106 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Des Moines, Washington, can expect a median annual salary of $109,662, which is slightly above the national average of $107,150. For those at the entry-level tier, salaries start around $79,645, while experienced professionals in the top 10% can earn up to $168,550. The local salary data reflects regional cost adjustments, including a cost of living index that registers at 107.4, indicating that Des Moines has a higher-than-average living expense. Notably, obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license, especially pertinent in HVAC and building systems, can further augment compensation and enhance career prospects in the region's growing engineering market.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,645 | $38.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,966 | $42.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $109,662 | $52.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $138,416 | $66.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $168,550 | $81.03 |
Median Salary Position
2.34% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, WA, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $88,905 (2026 est.). At $109,662, the local median is 2.34% above the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Moines Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $109,662/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $110,658 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | +2.34% more |
Mechanical Engineers in Des Moines, WA earn a median of $109,662 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.34% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $110,658.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $109,662 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $102,106 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,503
2025 BLS Actual
$106,551
2026 Current Est.
$109,662
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,503 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,274 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,534 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,568 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,843 | Actual |
| 2024 | $125,561 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,551 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $109,662 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,864 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $90,503 (2019) to $106,551 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $112,864 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,361 (24.71%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $79,645 – $88,966 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,966 – $109,662 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $109,662 – $138,416 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $138,416 – $168,550 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Des Moines
The job market for mechanical engineers in Des Moines currently employs only seven professionals, which highlights a niche but solid opportunity for those entering the field. The cost of living, while elevated, suggests that take-home pay may not stretch as far compared to lower-cost areas. Major employers such as Boeing in the aerospace sector and Tesla in automotive are likely to offer competitive wages for skilled engineers, particularly those who have achieved PE licensure or possess security clearances, which are highly valued in defense-related roles. The disparity in compensation often stems from sector demand, including the aerospace industry's growth driven by companies like SpaceX, alongside the consistent need for mechanical prowess in HVAC and industrial equipment. For aspiring mechanical engineers in Des Moines, pursuing certifications and aligning with high-demand sectors can significantly enhance earning potential and long-term career success.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
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 $106,551 for mechanical engineersin the Des Moines 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 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 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