Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Owensboro, KY: $48.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Owensboro, KY runs $48.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,666 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Owensboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.6, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,407 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Owensboro, KY, a mechanical engineer can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $48.40, which is somewhat lower than the national hourly median of $51.51. This difference reflects local market dynamics while still offering competitive compensation in fields like aerospace, automotive, and HVAC. For part-time professionals, working three days a week could generate substantial income, allowing for flexibility while benefiting from the resources of engineering offices equipped with advanced CAD tools and simulation software. Entry-level positions start at approximately $32.59 an hour, with experienced engineers at the top of the pay scale earning up to $67.07 per hour. These figures stem from data based on 2025 BLS OEWS projections for the Owensboro market and highlight the earning potential within varied work environments, including manufacturing and remote setups.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.59 | $260.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.20 | $305.63 |
| Median (P50) | $48.40 | $387.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.59 | $460.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.07 | $536.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Owensboro
Based on $48.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.40/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Owensboro, KY can expect to earn approximately $100,679 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,084. With a cost-of-living index of 88.61 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Owensboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Owensboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,936.13 | $8,390 | $100,679 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,161.68 | $5,034 | $60,407 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $774.45 | $3,356 | $40,272 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Owensboro) | $48.40 |
| 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 Owensboro, KY earn a median of $100,666 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.05% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 1.40% below the Kentucky state average of $102,095.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.40/hr = $60,407/year (purchasing power: $68,172).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,679/year (purchasing power: $113,620).
CoL index: 88.61 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Owensboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Owensboro grew 34.9% from $34.87/hr (2019) to $47.03/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.82/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 Owensboro 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 Owensboro
Contract and per-diem roles may extend earning opportunities significantly for mechanical engineers in Owensboro. Those working three days a week at 24 hours total might earn around $59,952 annually, whereas full-time positions lead to an expected yearly income of nearly $100,000. Per diem mechanical engineer pay in Owensboro often ranges from $90 to $160 per hour, depending on specialization and employer type. For example, positions in aerospace or defense, particularly in companies like Boeing or Lockheed Martin, can command significantly higher rates—$120 to $220 per hour for roles that require a security clearance. The varying pay between employers is notable; while large automotive firms may offer stable salaries, the trade-off often includes health benefits, favoring those seeking stability over maximum hourly rates. Negotiation skills can be paramount in securing favorable pay conditions, particularly for hourly workers in a regional market like Owensboro.
More salary data for Owensboro, KY:
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 Owensboro. 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, 6-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