Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Scarborough, ME: $48.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Scarborough, ME runs $48.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,823 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Scarborough's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,088 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Mechanical engineers in Scarborough, ME, can expect a median hourly pay of $48.95 for 2026, which falls slightly below the national median of $51.51. This hourly rate can shape various work schedules, particularly for those in part-time roles or per-diem positions. For instance, those working three days a week will find that their total take-home earnings can significantly vary based on billable hours and specific employers. Entry-level engineers may start at around $36.37 per hour, while established professionals can command up to $70.64, reflecting the competitive market across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and HVAC. These rates are estimated from annual salary data and represent the broader landscape of mechanical engineer hourly pay in Scarborough.
About the Scarborough Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.37 | $290.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.88 | $335.03 |
| Median (P50) | $48.95 | $391.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.43 | $475.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.64 | $565.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Scarborough
Based on $48.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.95/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Scarborough, ME can expect to earn approximately $101,813 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,739. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Scarborough.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Scarborough
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,957.95 | $8,484 | $101,813 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,174.77 | $5,091 | $61,088 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $783.18 | $3,394 | $40,725 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Scarborough) | $48.95 |
| 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 Scarborough, ME earn a median of $101,823 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.97% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 4.60% below the Maine state average of $106,733.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.95/hr = $61,088/year (purchasing power: $61,333).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,813/year (purchasing power: $102,222).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Scarborough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Scarborough grew 17.7% from $40.40/hr (2019) to $47.56/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.38/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 Scarborough 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 Scarborough
Part-time mechanical engineers working 24 hours a week can anticipate annual earnings that lead to substantial differences compared to full-time counterparts. While part-time roles allow for flexibility, they may result in reduced overall income; a three-day workweek at $48.95 an hour totals about $38,537 annually before taxes. Conversely, per-diem contracts often fetch higher hourly rates, ranging from $90 to $160 for standard roles, while specialized positions, such as licensed HVAC professionals or aerospace engineers, may command significantly more, often $100-$220 per hour. Industries such as automotive and aerospace in Scarborough are particularly competitive, driving hourly rates based on demand and skill sets. While some engineers may settle for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may choose higher rates without benefits. The critical negotiation for those seeking hourly roles involves understanding industry expectations and leveraging unique credentials or specialties to negotiate competitive rates.
More salary data for Scarborough, ME:
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 Scarborough. 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 Scarborough 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