Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Burlington, IA: $45.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Burlington, IA runs $45.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,129 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,477 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, IA, mechanical engineers earn a median hourly rate of $45.25, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $51.51. This discrepancy could have implications for part-time professionals, as working three days a week (around 24 hours) would yield significant income compared to full-time roles. Those engaged in the profession typically find employment in diverse settings such as automotive engineering offices, aerospace test ranges, and HVAC companies. The hourly pay scale for mechanical engineers in Burlington ranges from approximately $33.92 for entry-level positions to around $67.41 for established professionals, with earnings reflecting various levels of expertise and responsibilities. While these hourly rates are estimated based on annual salary data, they emphasize the value of skill sets relevant to sectors undergoing rapid development, such as electric vehicle and aerospace engineering.
About the Burlington 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) | $33.92 | $271.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.30 | $298.39 |
| Median (P50) | $45.25 | $362.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.24 | $449.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.41 | $539.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burlington
Based on $45.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.25/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burlington, IA can expect to earn approximately $94,128 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,305. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,810.16 | $7,844 | $94,128 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,086.09 | $4,706 | $56,477 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $724.06 | $3,138 | $37,651 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Burlington) | $45.25 |
| 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 Burlington, IA earn a median of $94,129 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.15% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 4.00% below the Iowa state average of $98,051.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.25/hr = $56,477/year (purchasing power: $62,474).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,128/year (purchasing power: $104,124).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Burlington grew 17.7% from $37.35/hr (2019) to $43.97/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.58/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 Burlington 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 Burlington
Analyzing part-time earnings further illustrates the financial landscape for mechanical engineers in Burlington. A mechanical engineer working 24 hours a week could take home a sustainable income while balancing personal interests or additional commitments. In contrast, those pursuing per-diem or contract work could see more lucrative pay, as per diem mechanical engineers may experience rates ranging from $90 to $160 per hour. Specialized roles, such as HVAC professionals or aerospace engineers in security-cleared positions, often command rates between $100 and $220 hourly. The type of employer significantly impacts hourly compensation, with industries like automotive and aerospace typically offering higher rates to attract skilled engineers, reflecting current market trends driven by companies like Boeing and Tesla. However, some engineers may accept lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. Negotiation strategies are pivotal for hourly workers in Burlington, where articulating one’s technical skills and aligning them with the needs of potential employers can enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Burlington in 2026?
How much do part-time mechanical engineers make in Burlington?
Are mechanical engineers in Burlington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time mechanical engineer make per year in Burlington?
Do mechanical engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Burlington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Burlington. 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 Burlington 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