Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer Salary in Rawlins, WY: $70,741 (2026)
Quick Answer:New mechanical engineers entering the Rawlins, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,741 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2141, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rawlins's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,842 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,289) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the mechanical engineering field can anticipate earning around $70,741 as a starting salary in Rawlins, WY, in 2026. Although this initial pay is below the city’s median annual salary of $97,289, aspiring engineers can expect this gap to narrow over time. As they gain experience, salaries may grow from the 25th percentile of $78,598 to the city median, reflecting a healthy growth trajectory in their first few years. Rawlins currently presents a favorable environment for new graduates, as local demand for mechanical engineers supports career advancement and salary increases that can align more closely with or exceed entry-level expectations.
About the Rawlins Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rawlins
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 Rawlins
Entry-level mechanical engineers in Rawlins, WY typically start between $70,741 and $78,598 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $77,576 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,289 — 9.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average mechanical engineering program cost in Wyoming of $42,000 represents just 59.37% of the starting mechanical engineer pay ($70,741/year) in Rawlins. 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 Rawlins
- 1Research the Rawlins market: entry-level mechanical engineer pay ranges from $70,741 to $78,598, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Rawlins, 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 Rawlins for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rawlins'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 Rawlins is $77,576 ( 109.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,741, experienced hygienists can earn up to $148,317.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,072
2025 BLS Actual
$68,734
2026 Current Est.
$70,741
2019–2027 Growth
+37.2%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Rawlins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,072 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,261 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,435 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,586 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,974 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,284 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,734 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,741 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,807 | Projected |
Entry-level mechanical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Rawlins, WY grew 29.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,072 in 2019 to $68,734 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,807. New graduates entering the Rawlins job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rawlins 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 Rawlins
Employers in Rawlins that actively hire entry-level mechanical engineers include local HVAC firms and potentially some manufacturing companies. These employers often look for candidates with a Bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited program. To enhance starting pay and improve job prospects, new graduates should consider taking the FE exam to attain EIT status, which leads toward the PE license—essential for career advancement in Wyoming's engineering landscape. The first few years in this field may yield varied salary growth, emphasizing the significance of gaining relevant experience and credentials. For instance, while new grads can start in HVAC or consumer products firms, the burgeoning aerospace and automotive sectors, driven by companies like Tesla and SpaceX, offer higher compensation tied to equity and market demands. Thus, establishing strong foundational skills, pursuing additional certifications, and exploring diverse roles can lead to a rewarding engineering career in Rawlins.
More salary data for Rawlins, WY:
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 Rawlins. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rawlins 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