Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Sioux City, IA: $47.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Sioux City, IA runs $47.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,031 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Sioux City's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,827 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Sioux City, the mechanical engineer hourly pay is projected at $47.14, which falls below the national median hourly rate of $51.51. This rate reflects the typical earnings for engineers who may work part-time—about 24 hours a week—often in tech-focused environments such as automotive, aerospace, and HVAC engineering industries. Part-time engineers in Sioux City can find rewarding opportunities utilizing advanced tools and software like SolidWorks and CATIA within manufacturing plants or during site visits. The local salary range starts at $37.16 for entry-level positions and can reach up to $69.42 for top earners, highlighting the potential for substantial earnings based on experience and specialization. Official Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows a steady demand for mechanical engineers, with projected growth fostering competitive compensation structures in this region.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.16 | $297.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.14 | $313.12 |
| Median (P50) | $47.14 | $377.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.89 | $423.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.42 | $555.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sioux City
Based on $47.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.14/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sioux City, IA can expect to earn approximately $98,046 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,565. With a cost-of-living index of 86.45 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sioux City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sioux City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,885.49 | $8,170 | $98,046 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,131.30 | $4,902 | $58,827 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $754.20 | $3,268 | $39,218 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Sioux City) | $47.14 |
| 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 Sioux City, IA earn a median of $98,031 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.51% lower than the national median of $107,150.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.14/hr = $58,827/year (purchasing power: $68,045).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,046/year (purchasing power: $113,408).
CoL index: 86.454 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Sioux City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Sioux City grew 25.6% from $36.47/hr (2019) to $45.80/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.51/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 Sioux City 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 Sioux City
Considering the financial dynamics of a mechanical engineer working part-time in Sioux City, one could earn around $55,000 annually, significantly less than a full-time peer grossing over $98,000. However, part-time positions often allow flexibility that can attract engineers seeking work-life balance. Furthermore, per diem mechanical engineer pay in the area can be particularly lucrative, ranging from $90 to $220 per hour in specialized fields such as HVAC or aerospace, depending on the task and security clearance required. Interestingly, while automotive manufacturers like Tesla and Rivian are driving up compensation, firms often balance higher hourly pay against benefits packages. This trade-off is vital for those considering positions in Sioux City, as negotiations can significantly influence overall compensation. Mechanical engineers and specialists are encouraged to advocate for competitive pay rates while weighing the advantages of health insurance and retirement benefits, especially when entering negotiations as 1099 contractors or agency workers.
More salary data for Sioux City, 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 Sioux City. 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