Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Coralville, IA: $44.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Coralville, IA runs $44.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,244 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Coralville's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,950 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Coralville, Iowa, the mechanical engineer hourly pay stands at approximately $44.83, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $51.51. This pay scale creates a unique scenario for part-time workers or those taking per-diem roles within various environments, from technical offices focused on CAD programs like SolidWorks and NX to bustling manufacturing plants and aerospace facilities. Engineers operating in these settings can expect to earn within a range from $33.07 for entry-level positions up to $68.53 for senior-level roles. For those engaging in specialized tasks, hourly compensation varies significantly based on experience and sector—reflecting the broader industry standards seen across the state of Iowa. Given the competitive nature of mechanical engineering, these figures are derived from annual salary data, yet they provide a clear perspective on the financial landscape for engineers in Coralville.
About the Coralville 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) | $33.07 | $264.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.41 | $291.30 |
| Median (P50) | $44.83 | $358.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.32 | $434.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.53 | $548.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Coralville
Based on $44.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.83/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Coralville, IA can expect to earn approximately $93,250 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,798. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Coralville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Coralville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,793.28 | $7,771 | $93,250 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,075.97 | $4,663 | $55,950 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $717.31 | $3,108 | $37,300 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Coralville) | $44.83 |
| 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 Coralville, IA earn a median of $93,244 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.98% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 4.90% below the Iowa state average of $98,049.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.83/hr = $55,950/year (purchasing power: $61,892).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,250/year (purchasing power: $103,153).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Coralville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Coralville grew 17.7% from $37.00/hr (2019) to $43.56/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.14/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 Coralville 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 Coralville
Focusing on part-time earnings, a mechanical engineer working three days a week, clocking in roughly 24 hours, would yield lower overall annual earnings compared to a full-time role. While hourly rates for contract or per diem mechanical engineers often range from $90 to $160, specialized roles, such as HVAC professionals or aerospace engineers, can command rates up to $220 or more, particularly in higher-security positions. The disparity among employers influences these rates; automotive giants like Tesla and Rivian pay more than traditional manufacturers, while aerospace companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin offer competitive rates in the defense sector. Engineers must consider the trade-off between slightly lower hourly pay that includes health benefits versus pursuing higher rates without such coverage. When negotiating, Coralville engineers should emphasize their experience and the potential value they bring—highlighting specialized skills or certifications like PE licensure as leverage in discussions.
More salary data for Coralville, 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 Coralville. 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 Coralville 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