Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Mountain Home, ID: $43.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Mountain Home, ID runs $43.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,434 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Mountain Home's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,255 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Mechanical engineers in Mountain Home, Idaho, can expect a median hourly pay of $43.47, which lags behind the national hourly median of $51.51. The city's engineering positions often require work in dynamic environments such as tech, aerospace, and automotive sectors, providing a variety of experiences. For those in part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into around $68,000 annually. The pay range for mechanical engineers in Mountain Home varies considerably, with entry-level positions earning as low as $31.23, while more experienced engineers can command rates up to $65.86 per hour. These estimates are derived from annual salary data. Given the local cost of living, which is slightly below the national average, these hourly rates reflect both the opportunities and challenges faced by engineers in the region.
About the Mountain Home Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.23 | $249.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.53 | $300.28 |
| Median (P50) | $43.47 | $347.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.70 | $437.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.86 | $526.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mountain Home
Based on $43.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.47/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mountain Home, ID can expect to earn approximately $90,425 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,168. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mountain Home.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mountain Home
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,738.94 | $7,535 | $90,425 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,043.36 | $4,521 | $54,255 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $695.57 | $3,014 | $36,170 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Mountain Home) | $43.47 |
| 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 Mountain Home, ID earn a median of $90,434 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.60% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 5.70% below the Idaho state average of $95,900.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.47/hr = $54,255/year (purchasing power: $56,931).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,425/year (purchasing power: $94,884).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Mountain Home (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Mountain Home grew 17.7% from $35.88/hr (2019) to $42.24/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.74/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 Mountain Home 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 Mountain Home
For a mechanical engineer working part-time for 24 hours a week, the total annual take-home can be around $67,978, significantly less than what full-time equivalents might make. Contract or per diem work presents lucrative alternatives in Mountain Home. For example, per diem mechanical engineer pay can range from $90 to $160 per hour, with specialized HVAC professionals earning between $100 to $180. The aerospace industry in particular offers even higher rates, with contract engineers potentially making $120 to $220 per hour for positions requiring security clearance. Different sectors like automotive and defense have varying pay scales; for instance, companies like Tesla or Lockheed Martin may provide competitive hourly rates compared to traditional manufacturing firms. Engineers often confront the trade-offs between lower hourly wages that offer benefits versus higher pay without health coverage. When negotiating hourly wages, articulate your value based on your credentials and experience in prestigious projects, such as those with SpaceX or major automotive innovations.
More salary data for Mountain Home, ID:
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 Mountain Home. 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 Mountain Home 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