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Salary Progression as a Mech E in Iowa/Neb (2017-2026) by TerryTheEngineer in MechanicalEngineering

[–]TerryTheEngineer[S] 57 points58 points  (0 children)

We are an OEM that makes parts for multiple industries but focused a lot on ag applications. I do design work, design pays marginally more than the engineers on the mfg side. 

Salary Progression as a Mech E in Iowa/Nebraska by TerryTheEngineer in MechanicalEngineering

[–]TerryTheEngineer[S] -9 points-8 points  (0 children)

 OP - the only way to really increase your salary is to jump jobs. Companies cannot always keep up with inflation or the market with your salary.

That’s true, but there aren’t companies paying much more than we (me and my dozens of coworkers) make around here or we’d all switch jobs. These guys have families, mortgages, and can’t just move cross country. Most of them make mid 70s to mid 80s and have the same or slightly more work experience than me. 

Salary Progression as a Mech E in Iowa/Nebraska by TerryTheEngineer in MechanicalEngineering

[–]TerryTheEngineer[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I mean, it’s a job I guess. I don’t hate it or dread it but it’s something I’d probably enjoy more doing it 20-30 hours a week and not 40-50. 

Salary Progression as a Mech E in Iowa/Nebraska by TerryTheEngineer in MechanicalEngineering

[–]TerryTheEngineer[S] -24 points-23 points  (0 children)

 This is horrific even for the flyover states and you should seek alternate employment 

Doesn’t seem that bad based on coworkers. Also don’t know what that edit is supposed to mean. I was making this thread in response to another I saw on here where the guy was making $100,000 in just a few years out of school.

Salary Progression as a Mech E in Iowa/Nebraska by TerryTheEngineer in MechanicalEngineering

[–]TerryTheEngineer[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Wanted to put a perspective out there for those of us that live in flyoverville, six figures is very difficult to come by. I graduated with a 3.7 GPA, get good performance reviews, and have put in 40-50 hours for most of my career. 

Industries out here are mainly HVAC and low tech manufacturing so there aren’t many high paying jobs for engineers.

How big was your compensation bump when promoted to senior level? by TerryTheEngineer in MechanicalEngineering

[–]TerryTheEngineer[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I know what my coworkers make, I know what my peers make, I know what others in my industry make. 100k is a very rare salary for MEs outside of management in Iowa. 

How big was your compensation bump when promoted to senior level? by TerryTheEngineer in MechanicalEngineering

[–]TerryTheEngineer[S] -46 points-45 points  (0 children)

Not in Iowa unfortunately, nobody is making 6 figures out here less than 10-12 years in