Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Dearborn Heights, MI: $48.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Dearborn Heights, MI runs $48.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,349 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Dearborn Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,805 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dearborn Heights, Michigan, mechanical engineers earn a median hourly rate of $48.72, slightly below the national median of $51.51. This figure provides insight for those considering part-time positions or per-diem opportunities in the industry. For example, a mechanical engineer working three days a week could anticipate a practical working environment in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and HVAC, where the demand for CAD expertise in tools like SolidWorks and CATIA is prevalent. The hourly earnings range from $33.58 for entry-level positions to $75.52 at the top end, reflecting the variability in experience and specialization within the field.
About the Dearborn Heights Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.58 | $268.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.22 | $305.80 |
| Median (P50) | $48.72 | $389.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.67 | $485.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.52 | $604.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dearborn Heights
Based on $48.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.72/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dearborn Heights, MI can expect to earn approximately $101,342 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,467. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dearborn Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dearborn Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,948.89 | $8,445 | $101,342 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,169.34 | $5,067 | $60,805 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $779.56 | $3,378 | $40,537 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Dearborn Heights) | $48.72 |
| 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 Dearborn Heights, MI earn a median of $101,349 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.41% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 0.10% below the Michigan state average of $101,451.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.72/hr = $60,805/year (purchasing power: $65,242).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,342/year (purchasing power: $108,737).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Dearborn Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Dearborn Heights grew 17.7% from $40.21/hr (2019) to $47.34/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.15/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 Dearborn Heights 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 Dearborn Heights
Considering the part-time earning potential in this career, a mechanical engineer working 24 hours a week might bring home approximately $60,773 in annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. For those exploring per-diem contract work, it's common for mechanical engineers in Dearborn Heights to bill between $90 and $160 per hour, significantly augmenting their overall earnings. Specialized roles, especially in aerospace, could command rates of up to $220 per hour, particularly for those with security clearance. The earnings landscape can differ widely across employer types; automotive and EV manufacturers like Tesla and Rivian may offer competitive compensation packages, whereas HVAC firms prioritize stability and benefits. This trade-off often leads engineers to consider hourly rates against the backed security of health benefits offered in traditional employment. When negotiating hourly pay, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and areas of expertise, particularly in high-demand sectors, to maximize their earning potential in Dearborn Heights.
More salary data for Dearborn Heights, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Dearborn Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time mechanical engineers make in Dearborn Heights?
Are mechanical engineers in Dearborn Heights paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time mechanical engineer make per year in Dearborn Heights?
Do mechanical engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Dearborn Heights?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Michigan
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 Dearborn Heights. 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 Dearborn Heights 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