Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Twin Falls, ID: $46.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Twin Falls, ID runs $46.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,911 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Twin Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.1, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,543 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Twin Falls, ID, can anticipate a median hourly pay of $46.11, reflecting a slightly lower rate compared to the national median of $51.51. This hourly compensation is particularly significant for engineers working part-time, as those on a three-day work schedule can earn roughly $54,000 annually, which offers a comfortable living in the region. The hourly rate offers varying opportunities, from entry-level positions starting at $31.56 to experienced professionals earning up to $55.23 per hour. Typical workplaces include offices focused on tech, aerospace, and automotive sectors, where engineers use advanced CAD software like SolidWorks and CATIA, as well as on manufacturing floors or during HVAC system site visits. Official Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data illustrates the vital role that this hourly rate plays in attracting talent to Twin Falls, especially in specialized areas requiring expertise.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.56 | $252.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.43 | $315.43 |
| Median (P50) | $46.11 | $368.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.02 | $408.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.23 | $441.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Twin Falls
Based on $46.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.11/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Twin Falls, ID can expect to earn approximately $95,905 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,330. With a cost-of-living index of 92.11 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Twin Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Twin Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,844.33 | $7,992 | $95,905 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,106.60 | $4,795 | $57,543 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $737.73 | $3,197 | $38,362 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Twin Falls) | $46.11 |
| 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 Twin Falls, ID earn a median of $95,911 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.49% lower than the national median of $107,150.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.11/hr = $57,543/year (purchasing power: $62,473).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,905/year (purchasing power: $104,122).
CoL index: 92.108 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Twin Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Twin Falls grew 17.7% from $38.05/hr (2019) to $44.80/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.45/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 Twin Falls 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 Twin Falls
Earnings potential for part-time mechanical engineers can differ significantly from full-time roles. Working just 24 hours a week leads to a take-home pay that may not keep pace with full-time colleagues who earn a steady paycheck, particularly in specialized areas where per diem mechanical engineer pay in Twin Falls can range from $90 to $160 per hour. For contract work, engineers in aerospace can command between $120 and $220 per hour, especially in high-security positions. Employers contribute to this pay variation; for instance, automotive giants like Tesla and Rivian compete fiercely with traditional manufacturers like Ford and GM for top talent. Many engineers face a choice between accepting lower hourly rates for positions that include health benefits versus higher rates in contract work. Negotiating strategies can be vital in this market; clearly defining your skills and aligning with industry standards may open avenues for better pay.
More salary data for Twin Falls, 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 Twin Falls. 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, 4-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