Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in North Liberty, IA: $44.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in North Liberty, IA runs $44.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,448 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against North Liberty's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,475 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Liberty, IA, the mechanical engineer hourly pay is set at a median of $44.45, notably lower than the national median of $51.51. This disparity highlights the economic factors and cost of living in the region, which is approximately 90.4 on the cost of living index, indicating affordability compared to national averages. For mechanical engineers who prefer part-time roles, working three days a week could yield an approximate gross income of around $34,000 annually, which is feasible for individuals balancing professional work with personal commitments. Those engaged in per-diem work can expect diverse environments, from technology firms utilizing CAD software like SolidWorks to high-stakes aerospace facilities, with their hourly pay ranging between entry-level rates of $32.13 and top-tier earnings reaching $67.34, a reflection of their workplace expertise and the complexity of projects handled. The hourly figures are primarily derived from annual salary data projections, indicating anticipated market trends.
About the North Liberty 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) | $32.13 | $257.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.38 | $307.03 |
| Median (P50) | $44.45 | $355.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.93 | $447.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.34 | $538.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Liberty
Based on $44.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.45/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Liberty, IA can expect to earn approximately $92,458 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,341. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Liberty.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Liberty
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,778.05 | $7,705 | $92,458 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,066.83 | $4,623 | $55,475 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $711.22 | $3,082 | $36,983 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (North Liberty) | $44.45 |
| 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 North Liberty, IA earn a median of $92,448 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.72% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 5.70% below the Iowa state average of $98,036.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.45/hr = $55,475/year (purchasing power: $61,366).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,458/year (purchasing power: $102,277).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in North Liberty (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in North Liberty grew 17.7% from $36.69/hr (2019) to $43.19/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.75/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 North Liberty 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 North Liberty
Focusing on part-time opportunities, a mechanical engineer working 24 hours per week in North Liberty could achieve an income that allows for a comfortable lifestyle while avoiding full-time commitments. However, pursuing per-diem positions opens up higher earning avenues, particularly for specialized roles like HVAC engineering, which can command rates between $100-$180 per hour. In contract settings, especially within the aerospace sector, engineers may bill between $120-$220 per hour, particularly in government-related projects requiring security clearance. This variability in hourly rates stems from factors including employer type; automotive giants like Tesla and Rivian are known for their attractive compensation, whereas firms tied to consumer products like Apple often deliver competitive wages to secure talent. Engineers may face a trade-off between hourly rates and additional benefits like health insurance, as part-time work often lacks comprehensive support. In negotiating hourly pay, professionals should leverage their credentials, such as ABET-accredited degrees and relevant mechanical engineering experience, to enhance their value in the North Liberty market.
More salary data for North Liberty, 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 North Liberty. 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 North Liberty 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