Des Moines vs Sioux City: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Des Moines, IA and Sioux City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Sioux City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,986 | $98,031▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.30 | $47.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,836 | $77,293▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,441▲ | $81,410 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,023 | $110,001▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,501 | $144,397▲ |
| Total Employed | 390▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Sioux City, IA offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Sioux City is $10,045 (11.42%). Sioux City's median is -8.51% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $64,665,Sioux City spans $67,104. Sioux City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sioux City ($113,391 effective) pays 18.18% 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 Des Moines if…
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,031/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,397)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,391)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Des Moines grew 16.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.5% growth in Sioux City over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$73,350 (2019) → $85,490 (2025)
Sioux City, IA
$75,870 (2019) → $95,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Sioux City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Des Moines or Sioux City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Sioux City?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Sioux City as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Des Moines vs Sioux City?
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