Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Tempe, AZ: $48.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Tempe, AZ runs $48.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,442 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Tempe's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,870 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Mechanical engineers in Tempe, AZ, earn a median hourly rate of $48.77, which is slightly lower than the national median of $51.51. This difference in mechanical engineer hourly pay could influence part-time positions or per-diem opportunities, especially in high-demand sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and HVAC. For example, working just three days a week at this rate translates to a significant income while allowing flexibility. Hourly earnings for this occupation in Tempe range considerably, from $35.63 for entry-level positions at the 10th percentile to as much as $75.59 for seasoned experts at the 90th percentile. Understanding these pay scales is crucial for those looking into contract work or per-diem positions where engineers often utilize modern CAD workstations or conduct site visits for building systems.
About the Tempe Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.63 | $285.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.91 | $319.30 |
| Median (P50) | $48.77 | $390.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.53 | $492.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.59 | $604.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tempe
Based on $48.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.77/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tempe, AZ can expect to earn approximately $101,449 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,529. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tempe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tempe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,950.95 | $8,454 | $101,449 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,170.57 | $5,072 | $60,870 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $780.38 | $3,382 | $40,580 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Tempe) | $48.77 |
| 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 Tempe, AZ earn a median of $101,442 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.33% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 0.40% above the Arizona state average of $101,038.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.77/hr = $60,870/year (purchasing power: $61,797).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,449/year (purchasing power: $102,994).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Tempe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Tempe grew 17.7% from $40.25/hr (2019) to $47.39/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.20/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 Tempe 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 Tempe
Part-time mechanical engineers working 24 hours a week can anticipate a take-home of approximately $61,767 annually, a substantial amount compared to full-time salaries in different sectors. Many professionals in Tempe are drawn to the flexibility of contract work, which can offer hourly rates that soar to between $90 and $220, especially in aerospace and specialized fields like HVAC. Firms such as Boeing and SpaceX tend to command higher rates due to the security clearance premium often involved. However, some engineers may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. For those negotiating their hourly rates, emphasizing specialized skills or certifications like PE can be highly advantageous, especially in a market that values expertise across various industries, from automotive giants like Tesla to consumer tech firms like Apple.
More salary data for Tempe, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Tempe in 2026?
How much do part-time mechanical engineers make in Tempe?
Are mechanical engineers in Tempe paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time mechanical engineer make per year in Tempe?
Do mechanical engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Tempe?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arizona
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 Tempe. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tempe 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