Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Dearborn, MI: $53.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Dearborn, MI runs $53.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $112,085 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Dearborn's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $57.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,253 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dearborn, Michigan, the mechanical engineer hourly pay is projected to hit $53.89 by 2026, surpassing the national median of $51.51. This rate reflects the region's strong demand for mechanical engineers, particularly in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and HVAC. For part-time workers in these industries, particularly those who might work a 3-day week, the pay translates to substantial earnings as they can still expect to take home a competitive wage. Per-diem engineers, especially in specialized fields, can earn even more, with rates that can reflect their experience and the technical demands of their roles. The hourly pay for mechanical engineers in Dearborn ranges from $39.42 for entry-level positions to $83.53 for top earners, highlighting the wide spectrum of opportunities available in this vibrant industry.
About the Dearborn 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) | $39.42 | $315.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.97 | $343.75 |
| Median (P50) | $53.89 | $431.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.98 | $551.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.53 | $668.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dearborn
Based on $53.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.89/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dearborn, MI can expect to earn approximately $112,089 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,667. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dearborn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dearborn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,155.56 | $9,341 | $112,089 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,293.33 | $5,604 | $67,253 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $862.22 | $3,736 | $44,836 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Dearborn) | $53.89 |
| 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, MI earn a median of $112,085 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.61% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 10.50% above the Michigan state average of $101,434.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.89/hr = $67,253/year (purchasing power: $72,160).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $112,089/year (purchasing power: $120,267).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Dearborn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Dearborn grew 17.7% from $44.47/hr (2019) to $52.36/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.46/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 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
When considering a 24-hour work week, part-time mechanical engineers can expect to earn significantly less compared to their full-time counterparts, effectively limiting their annual income despite decent hourly wages. In contrast, per-diem mechanical engineer pay in Dearborn can be quite lucrative, with contract work often billing $90 to $160 per hour. Engineers with specialized expertise, especially those with security clearances, may see rates soar to between $120 and $220 as demand rises in the aerospace and defense sectors. Employers in Dearborn, from automotive giants like Ford and Tesla to aerospace firms such as Boeing, influence hourly pay based on the complexity and specialization of the roles. While some engineers may opt for positions with lower hourly rates that offer benefits like health insurance, others willingly forgo this stability for potentially higher contract rates with no benefits. Negotiating for hourly rates entails understanding these trade-offs and leveraging technical skills or specialization to secure the best compensation package available in a rapidly evolving job landscape.
More salary data for Dearborn, MI:
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 Dearborn. 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 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