Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer Salary in Hurst, TX: $70,004 (2026)
Quick Answer:New mechanical engineers entering the Hurst, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,004 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2141, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hurst's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,921 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,250) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of mechanical engineering in Hurst can expect an entry-level salary starting around $70,004. This figure is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $100,250, highlighting the typical gap new engineers face when beginning their careers. However, as they gain experience over the first three to five years, they can realistically anticipate increasing their earnings toward $85,054 and beyond, aided by skills development and industry demand. Hurst currently presents a favorable environment for recent mechanical engineering graduates, particularly given the city's relatively low cost of living index at 96, which can help stretch starting salaries further than similar incomes in more expensive regions.
About the Hurst Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hurst
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 Hurst
Entry-level mechanical engineers in Hurst, TX typically start between $70,004 and $85,054 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $80,283 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,250 — 6.44% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average mechanical engineering program cost in Texas of $58,000 represents just 82.85% of the starting mechanical engineer pay ($70,004/year) in Hurst. 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 mechanical engineering programs. Many employers value or require the FE exam early in career, with PE typical for specific industries (consulting, manufacturing safety).
ME, PE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Hurst
- 1Research the Hurst market: entry-level mechanical engineer pay ranges from $70,004 to $85,054, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the mechanical engineering field — employers in TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hurst, 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 Hurst for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hurst's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Mechanical Engineer Compensation Range
The mechanical engineer wage spread in Hurst is $80,283 ( 114.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,004, experienced hygienists can earn up to $150,287.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,519
2025 BLS Actual
$68,018
2026 Current Est.
$70,004
2019–2027 Growth
+37.2%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Hurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,519 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,696 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,847 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,987 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,349 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,321 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,018 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,004 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,048 | Projected |
Entry-level mechanical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Hurst, TX grew 29.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,519 in 2019 to $68,018 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,048. New graduates entering the Hurst job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hurst 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 2.92% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your mechanical engineering Career in Hurst
Employers in Hurst actively seek new mechanical engineering talent, especially in sectors like automotive and aerospace. Companies such as Tesla and Ford frequently recruit fresh graduates through structured rotational programs, while Boeing and SpaceX often hire new engineers with clearances in mind, especially for roles involving defense and aerospace projects. Gaining a Bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from an ABET-accredited program provides a strong foundation, and pursuing the FE exam can yield the EIT credential, enhancing employability and salary potential in Texas. Continuing education, such as obtaining a PE license or pursuing a master’s degree, can open doors to higher-paying positions, especially in HVAC, thermal systems, and R&D roles. With realistic salary growth, a focus on networking through professional organizations like ASME, and a willingness to adapt in a rapidly evolving industry, new graduates can effectively position themselves for success in the Hurst job market.
More salary data for Hurst, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
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 mechanical engineering graduates. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Hurst. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hurst 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 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov