Bettendorf vs Cedar Rapids: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Bettendorf, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bettendorf, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,569 | $108,169▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.27 | $52.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,515 | $79,842▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,465 | $101,256▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $133,237▲ | $131,117 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,061▲ | $152,117 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 390▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bettendorf.
The salary gap between Bettendorf and Cedar Rapids is $3,600 (3.44%). Cedar Rapids's median is -13.49% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bettendorf spans $87,546,Cedar Rapids spans $72,275. Bettendorf 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, Cedar Rapids ($121,589 effective) pays 5.11% more than Bettendorf ($115,674 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bettendorf if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($158,061)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,169/year)
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,589)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Bettendorf grew 14.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.8% growth in Cedar Rapids over the same period.
Bettendorf, IA
$88,093 (2024) → $100,887 (2025)
Cedar Rapids, IA
$101,560 (2019) → $104,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bettendorf, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Bettendorf or Cedar Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bettendorf and Cedar Rapids?
Should I relocate from Bettendorf to Cedar Rapids as a electrical engineer?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov