Mechanical Engineer Salary in Coralville, IA: $93,244 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Coralville, IA earns a median $93,244/year (≈ $44.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Coralville's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $103,146 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Coralville, Iowa, mechanical engineers are projected to earn a median annual salary of $93,244 in 2026, which reflects a competitive position within the broader job market. With salaries ranging from $68,777 at the lower end to $142,558 at the upper end, potential earnings can vary significantly based on experience, industry, and skill set. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS Occupational Employment Statistics data, adjusted for regional price disparities. While this compensation is lower than the national median of $107,150, it still offers solid prospects for those entering or advancing within this field in Coralville, particularly as local employers like SpaceX and Tesla are reshaping pay structures with equity and RSU components that enhance total compensation beyond base salary alone.
About the Coralville Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,777 | $33.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,746 | $36.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,244 | $44.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $112,987 | $54.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $142,558 | $68.53 |
Median Salary Position
12.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Coralville
In Coralville, IA, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $73,781 (2026 est.). At $93,244, the local median is 12.98% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Coralville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Coralville Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Coralville median: $93,244/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Coralville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $98,049 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -12.98% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Coralville, IA earn a median of $93,244 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.98% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 4.90% below the Iowa state average of $98,049.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Coralville 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.
Coralville, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $93,244 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $103,146 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,954
2025 BLS Actual
$90,599
2026 Current Est.
$93,244
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Coralville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,954 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,459 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,932 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,811 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,596 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,107 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,599 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,244 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,967 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Coralville metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $76,954 (2019) to $90,599 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,967 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,013 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Coralville 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) | $68,777 – $75,746 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,746 – $93,244 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,244 – $112,987 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $112,987 – $142,558 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Coralville
The job market for mechanical engineers in Coralville is relatively modest, with only six professionals currently employed in the area. Despite this, the cost of living index in Coralville stands at 90.4, suggesting that engineers may enjoy a favorable purchasing power relative to many larger markets. Top-paying industries, including aerospace, automotive, and HVAC, offer significant opportunities. Employers like SpaceX present competitive salaries and potential for lucrative equity packages, while HVAC firms allow for pathways to licensure, offering solid long-term career growth. Variations in pay often hinge on industry dynamics, such as the lucrative edges provided by security clearance in defense roles or equity stakes in tech-adjacent positions. For those looking to optimize earnings in Coralville, pursuing licensure or exploring roles at innovative firms can be effective strategies to enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Coralville, 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 $90,599 for mechanical engineersin the Coralville 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 Coralville 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