Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Ankeny, IA: $45.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Ankeny, IA runs $45.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,269 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Ankeny's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,158 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ankeny, Iowa, the mechanical engineer hourly pay reaches a median of $45.80, which is notably lower than the national median of $51.51. This hourly rate reflects the local job market's alignment with industries such as automotive, aerospace, and HVAC, where engineers are often engaged with advanced CAD systems like SolidWorks and NX, further contributing to their skill sets. For engineers working part-time, say three days a week, the salary can accumulate to a significant amount, making it a viable option for those balancing work and personal commitments. The range of hourly pay spans from $33.20 for entry-level positions to as high as $70.99 for top earners, indicating diverse opportunities depending on experience and the specific field within mechanical engineering.
About the Ankeny Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.20 | $265.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.16 | $297.32 |
| Median (P50) | $45.80 | $366.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.62 | $468.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.99 | $567.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ankeny
Based on $45.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.80/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ankeny, IA can expect to earn approximately $95,263 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,959. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ankeny.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ankeny
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,831.98 | $7,939 | $95,263 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,099.19 | $4,763 | $57,158 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $732.79 | $3,175 | $38,105 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Ankeny) | $45.80 |
| 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 Ankeny, IA earn a median of $95,269 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.09% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 2.80% below the Iowa state average of $98,013.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.80/hr = $57,158/year (purchasing power: $63,227).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,263/year (purchasing power: $105,379).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Ankeny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Ankeny grew 17.7% from $37.80/hr (2019) to $44.50/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.14/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 Ankeny 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 Ankeny
The earning potential for a part-time mechanical engineer in Ankeny becomes clearer when analyzing their annual take-home compared to full-time positions. Working 24 hours a week at the median rate results in a considerable income, albeit less than that of a full-time counterpart. Additionally, many mechanical engineers opt for per-diem contract work, as their rates can significantly exceed the median hourly pay for salaried positions. Rates for per-diem mechanical engineer pay in Ankeny can range widely, with experienced professionals billing between $90 to $160 per hour, especially in specialized areas such as aerospace. Different employers in the region, from automotive giants like Ford and GM to defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, often provide varying hourly rates that factor in project demands and the engineers' qualifications. For those looking to maximize their earning potential, pursuing contract work or negotiating for additional benefits can be crucial strategies, as many engineers may choose stability over slightly higher hourly wages without benefits.
More salary data for Ankeny, IA:
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 Ankeny. 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 Ankeny 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