Des Moines vs Johnston: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Des Moines, IA and Johnston, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Johnston, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,947▲ | $101,590 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.34▲ | $48.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,629▲ | $71,122 |
| 25th Percentile | $94,311▲ | $81,696 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,330▲ | $127,718 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,414▲ | $149,283 |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnston.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Johnston is $9,357 (9.21%). Des Moines's median is -11.27% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $78,785,Johnston spans $78,161. Des Moines 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, Des Moines ($120,988 effective) pays 7.66% more than Johnston ($112,378 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,947/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,414)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,988)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Johnston if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Des Moines grew 41.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in Johnston over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$75,740 (2019) → $107,040 (2025)
Johnston, IA
$85,583 (2024) → $98,013 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Johnston, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Des Moines or Johnston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Johnston?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Johnston 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