CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by IA Board of Engineering

Mechanical Engineers Licensing in Iowa

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mechanical engineers in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Mechanical Engineers in Iowa

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Certification: Certification required.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Both state and third-party exams required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $97,570 median (5% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #35 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Mechanical Engineers licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required.
  5. 5. Submit the application to Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing~Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Iowa

With a median salary of $97,570, Mechanical Engineerss in Iowa earn 5% below the national median of $102,320. Iowa ranks #35 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,154

Median annual salary

$97,570

Hourly estimate

$46.91
5% below national median

Difference: -$4,750

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$64,900
  • P2525th percentile$78,610
  • P50Median$97,570
  • P7575th percentile$108,800
  • P9090th percentile$133,850

State vs National Median

State: $97,570
National: $102,320

Total employment: 4,230 | Annual openings: N/A

Mechanical Engineers Salary Ranking

#35 of 50 statesfor Mechanical Engineers median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New Mexico$141,490
#2Alaska$129,990
#3California$126,370
#4Massachusetts$122,670
#5Wyoming$116,910

Nearby States Comparison

Mechanical Engineers licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Iowa$97,570Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$98,980Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$94,820No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$99,730No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$91,890Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nebraska$82,510Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$90,590Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Iowa56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Missouri78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau

6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50309

Phone: 5157259022

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Iowa

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$65,190Specific course requiredVaries by board
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$74,140Specific course requiredVaries by board
Electrical Engineers$107,270Specific course requiredVaries by board
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$90,910Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Mechanical Engineers in Iowa?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Mechanical Engineerss in Iowa?

Iowa lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Mechanical Engineerss.

What education do you need to become a Mechanical Engineers in Iowa?

The board typically expects Degree required for Mechanical Engineers licensure in Iowa.

What is the typical Mechanical Engineers salary in Iowa?

The median annual salary for Mechanical Engineerss in Iowa is $97,570. Salaries range from $64,900 (10th percentile) to $133,850 (90th percentile).

How does the Mechanical Engineers salary in Iowa compare to the national average?

Mechanical Engineerss in Iowa earn 5% below the national median of $102,320, with a state median of $97,570.

How many Mechanical Engineerss work in Iowa?

Iowa employs approximately 4,230 Mechanical Engineerss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Mechanical Engineers license to Iowa from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Mechanical Engineerss in Iowa?

The licensing agency is Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing / Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau. Review agency details at http://www.plb.iowa.gov/.

How often do you renew a Mechanical Engineers license in Iowa?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.