Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Evansville, IN: $47.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Evansville, IN runs $47.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,000 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Evansville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,802 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Evansville, Indiana, the mechanical engineer hourly pay stands at a median rate of $47.12, which is below the national median of $51.51. This rate reflects the typical compensation for engineers in various settings, including offices focused on automotive, aerospace, and HVAC systems. For part-time workers engaging in three-day work weeks, this translates to approximately $1,132 weekly, or around $59,000 annually if consistent hours are maintained. Per-diem roles, often found in specialized settings, allow for more flexible work, where professionals can earn between $32.35 to $73.47 per hour depending on experience and project complexity. This range captures entry-level positions and top earners alike, illustrating the opportunities available in Evansville's engineering sector, which includes environments like manufacturing floors, aerospace test ranges, and remote simulation facilities, contributing to a varied and dynamic professional landscape.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.35 | $258.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.25 | $314.03 |
| Median (P50) | $47.12 | $376.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.69 | $461.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.47 | $587.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Evansville
Based on $47.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.12/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Evansville, IN can expect to earn approximately $98,003 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,540. With a cost-of-living index of 91.53 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Evansville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Evansville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,884.67 | $8,167 | $98,003 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,130.80 | $4,900 | $58,802 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $753.87 | $3,267 | $39,201 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Evansville) | $47.12 |
| 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 Evansville, IN earn a median of $98,000 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.54% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 1.40% below the Indiana state average of $99,392.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.12/hr = $58,802/year (purchasing power: $64,245).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,003/year (purchasing power: $107,074).
CoL index: 91.528 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Evansville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Evansville grew 19.0% from $38.48/hr (2019) to $45.78/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.49/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 Evansville 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 Evansville
For a mechanical engineer working part-time in Evansville at 24 hours a week, the income potential can differ considerably compared to full-time positions. Assuming a consistent hourly rate of $47.12, an engineer would net about $59,000 annually, a figure that may seem modest compared to the full-time counterpart. The allure of per-diem work is quite prominent in this field, as those engaging in contract roles can charge between $90 and $160 per hour for general assignments, with specialized skills commanding even higher rates. For instance, aerospace engineers in security-cleared roles may make between $120 to $220 hourly, making this sector highly lucrative. The type of employer significantly impacts hourly compensation: automotive firms like Tesla and Rivian, defense giants like Boeing, and specialized HVAC companies also affect market rates. Many engineers opt for lower hourly pay for traditional positions that offer benefits, while others pursue higher pay in contract roles but forgo security and insurance coverage. Negotiating effectively, especially for contract roles, can yield better compensation in Evansville's evolving job market.
More salary data for Evansville, IN:
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 Evansville. 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