Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Ottumwa, IA: $71,710 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Ottumwa, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,710 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ottumwa's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,325 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,838) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For newcomers to the electrical engineering field, the starting electrical engineer salary in Ottumwa, IA, offers a wide range of possibilities. New graduates can anticipate entering the job market at around $71,710, just under the city's median salary of $101,838. Over the first few years, as experience grows, entry-level engineers can gradually move up to about $82,198, progressing towards the median pay as they build skills and network in the industry. Given the projected growth rate of 3.65% annually, Ottumwa presents a viable opportunity for recent graduates to establish themselves in a promising career, especially in a field that emphasizes continuous learning and professional development.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ottumwa
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ottumwa
Entry-level electrical engineers in Ottumwa, IA typically start between $71,710 and $82,198 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $75,150 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,838 — 18.55% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Iowa of $52,000 represents just 72.51% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($71,710/year) in Ottumwa. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover ABET-accredited undergraduate electrical engineering programs at public and private universities. Many electrical engineers pursue master's degrees or specialization in power, controls, or electronics.
EE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Ottumwa
- 1Research the Ottumwa market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $71,710 to $82,198, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the electrical engineering field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Ottumwa, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Ottumwa for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ottumwa's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Electrical Engineer Compensation Range
The electrical engineer wage spread in Ottumwa is $75,150 ( 104.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,710, experienced hygienists can earn up to $146,860.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,957
2025 BLS Actual
$69,185
2026 Current Est.
$71,710
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,957 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,629 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,180 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,651 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,185 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,710 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,328 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Ottumwa, IA grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,957 in 2019 to $69,185 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,328. New graduates entering the Ottumwa job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ottumwa 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 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your electrical engineering Career in Ottumwa
In terms of employment opportunities for entry-level electrical engineers in Ottumwa, several prominent companies are actively hiring new grads. The semiconductor sector, including industry giants like Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and Intel, typically seeks out those with advanced academic backgrounds for high-paying chip design roles, but opportunities do exist for positions that don’t require master’s or PhD levels. Companies in defense, such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, often recruit engineers through internship programs that lead to secured positions, particularly for those holding security clearances. Utilities and consulting firms are also potential employers, although they might offer lower starting pay compared to tech roles, often balancing this with stability and long-term benefits. Recent graduates looking to maximize their initial compensation should consider obtaining their Engineer in Training (EIT) certification after passing the FE exam, while engaging with professional organizations like IEEE can provide valuable networking opportunities and enhance career growth within the electrical engineering domain.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new electrical engineering graduates. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Ottumwa. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ottumwa 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 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov