Coralville vs Des Moines: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Coralville, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Coralville, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,244▲ | $87,986 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.83▲ | $42.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,777 | $72,836▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,746 | $81,441▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,987▲ | $109,023 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,558▲ | $137,501 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 390▲ |
Verdict
Coralville, IA offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Moines.
The salary gap between Coralville and Des Moines is $5,258 (5.98%). Coralville's median is -12.98% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Coralville spans $73,781,Des Moines spans $64,665. Coralville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Coralville ($103,146 effective) pays 7.50% more than Des Moines ($95,949 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Coralville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,244/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,558)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,146)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Coralville grew 14.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.6% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Coralville, IA
$79,107 (2024) → $90,599 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$73,350 (2019) → $85,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Coralville, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Coralville or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Coralville and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Coralville to Des Moines as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Coralville vs Des Moines?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov