Job Salary Guide · 2026
Mechanical Engineer Salary After Tax in Des Moines
Based on BLS OEWS data · IA · Single filer
Mechanical Engineer Salary Range
25th Percentile
$75,000
Take-home:
$58,298
$4,858/mo
Entry to mid-level
Median
$96,000
Take-home:
$72,274
$6,023/mo
Typical salary
75th Percentile
$122,000
Take-home:
$89,504
$7,459/mo
Senior / specialist
Tax Breakdown
At median salary of $96,000
Cost of Living in Des Moines
1BR Monthly Rent
$1,100/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$1,380/mo
COL Index
0.93
Comfortable Rent Max
$1,505/mo
50 / 30 / 20 Budget Planner
Based on your monthly take-home of $6,023 ($72,276/yr)
$3,012
per month
- ›Rent / mortgage
- ›Groceries
- ›Utilities
- ›Insurance
- ›Minimum debt payments
- ›Transportation
$1,807
per month
- ›Dining out
- ›Streaming services
- ›Gym
- ›Hobbies
- ›Travel
- ›Shopping
$1,205
per month
- ›Emergency fund
- ›401(k) / IRA
- ›Investments
- ›Down payment fund
- ›Debt payoff (extra)
Needs / year
$36,138
Wants / year
$21,683
Savings / year
$14,455
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mechanical Engineer salary in Des Moines?
The median Mechanical Engineer salary in Des Moines (IA) is $96,000 per year based on BLS OEWS data. The 25th percentile is $75,000 and the 75th percentile is $122,000.
What is the take-home pay for a Mechanical Engineer in Des Moines?
At the median salary of $96,000, a Mechanical Engineer in IA takes home approximately $72,274 per year ($6,023/month) after federal and state taxes. The effective tax rate is 24.71%.
Can a Mechanical Engineer afford rent in Des Moines?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Des Moines is $1,100/month. On the median Mechanical Engineer salary, your rent-to-income ratio is 18.3%, which is "Comfortable". Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 25–30% of take-home pay ($1,505/month at this salary).
How does cost of living affect Mechanical Engineer salaries in Des Moines?
Des Moines has a cost-of-living index of 0.93 (1.00 = national average). Des Moines is 7% cheaper than the US average, so the Mechanical Engineer salary goes further here than in high-cost metros.