Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Urbana, IL: $49.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Urbana, IL runs $49.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,663 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Urbana's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,193 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Urbana, Illinois, mechanical engineers command a median hourly rate of $49.83, slightly lower than the national median of $51.51. This figure reflects an appealing opportunity for both full-time and part-time workers in diverse environments such as automotive, aerospace, and HVAC sectors. For engineers working three days a week, the lower hourly rate can provide a comfortable lifestyle while balancing professional and personal commitments. The hourly pay can vary significantly, ranging from $38.46 for entry-level positions to $77.25 for seasoned professionals, highlighting the potential for growth within the field. These rates are derived from projected estimates based on 2025 BLS data, capturing the evolving landscape of mechanical engineering roles in Urbana.
About the Urbana Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.46 | $307.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.95 | $335.60 |
| Median (P50) | $49.83 | $398.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.31 | $506.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.25 | $618.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Urbana
Based on $49.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.83/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Urbana, IL can expect to earn approximately $103,654 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,801. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Urbana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Urbana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,993.35 | $8,638 | $103,654 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,196.01 | $5,183 | $62,193 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $797.34 | $3,455 | $41,462 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Urbana) | $49.83 |
| 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 Urbana, IL earn a median of $103,663 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.25% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 0.20% above the Illinois state average of $103,456.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.83/hr = $62,193/year (purchasing power: $64,050).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,654/year (purchasing power: $106,750).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Urbana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Urbana grew 17.7% from $41.13/hr (2019) to $48.42/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.29/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 Urbana 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 Urbana
When evaluating the financial prospects of part-time mechanical engineers, it's insightful to realize that a typical three-day workweek of 24 hours would yield an annual income substantially lower than that of a full-time equivalent. Many professionals in this field may seek per-diem or contract roles, with pay rates for such positions often ranging from $90 to $160 per hour for various specialties. For instance, an HVAC professional could earn between $100 and $180 per hour depending on their credentials, while aerospace engineers at security-cleared positions might command $120 to $220 hourly. Different employers, from automotive giants like Rivian and Tesla to specialized HVAC firms, contribute to these varying rates. Some engineers settle for lower hourly wages in exchange for stable benefits, while others prefer higher rates without additional perks—emphasizing the need for negotiation skills tailored to the Urbana market. Understanding these dynamics can help professionals maximize their mechanical engineer hourly pay in Urbana and make informed decisions about their careers.
More salary data for Urbana, IL:
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 Urbana. 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 Urbana 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