Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Decatur, AL: $57.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Decatur, AL runs $57.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $119,130 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Decatur's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.2, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,479 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Decatur, Alabama, the mechanical engineer hourly pay is projected to reach $57.27 in 2026, which notably exceeds the national median of $51.51. This strategic salary not only highlights the competitive edge for local engineers but also accommodates diverse working styles, beneficial for part-time professionals and those working under per-diem contracts. In settings such as tech and aerospace offices, where CAD software like SolidWorks and NX is prevalent, as well as on manufacturing plant floors and during site visits for HVAC systems, mechanical engineers can expect a wide pay range from $38.87 at the entry-level to $79.17 for top earners in the field. This solid foundation demonstrates the sustained demand for their expertise across industries, reflecting on the ongoing projects that require skilled engineering support.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.87 | $310.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.53 | $372.24 |
| Median (P50) | $57.27 | $458.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.70 | $549.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.17 | $633.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Decatur
Based on $57.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.27/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Decatur, AL can expect to earn approximately $119,132 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,730. With a cost-of-living index of 87.21 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Decatur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Decatur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,291.00 | $9,928 | $119,132 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,374.60 | $5,957 | $71,479 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $916.40 | $3,971 | $47,653 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Decatur) | $57.27 |
| Civil Engineer (National Avg) | $47.06 |
| Electrical Engineer (National Avg) | $54.18 |
| Industrial Engineer (National Avg) | $47.50 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
Mechanical Engineers in Decatur, AL earn a median of $119,130 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.18% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 15.50% above the Alabama state average of $103,143.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.27/hr = $71,479/year (purchasing power: $81,960).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $119,132/year (purchasing power: $136,600).
CoL index: 87.212 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+12.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Decatur grew 6.4% from $52.28/hr (2019) to $55.65/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.95/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem mechanical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Decatur 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.
Working as an Hourly Mechanical Engineer in Decatur
Considering a part-time schedule, a mechanical engineer working three days a week (or 24 hours) in Decatur can expect an annual income of approximately $67,036, substantially lower than full-time earnings, yet still viable for those seeking flexibility. Alternatively, per-diem mechanical engineer pay in Decatur can vary dramatically; self-employed or contract positions might command rates from $90 to $160 per hour, with specialized roles in HVAC and building systems offering between $100 and $180. Furthermore, engineers in aerospace roles, particularly at security-cleared positions, can see hourly rates soaring up to $220. Employers, whether in automotive, aerospace, or engineering consulting, offer different compensation packages; some engineers may opt for lower hourly rates with benefits like health insurance, while others might prioritize higher rates for greater independence. Negotiating effectively in Decatur requires careful consideration of these factors and leveraging local industry demands for optimal compensation.
More salary data for Decatur, AL:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for mechanical engineers in Decatur. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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