Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Grand Rapids, MI: $47.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Grand Rapids, MI runs $47.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,431 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Grand Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,662 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Grand Rapids, mechanical engineers earn a median hourly rate of $47.81 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $51.51. This figure reflects the evolving job market within sectors such as automotive and aerospace, where engineers typically employ sophisticated software like SolidWorks and CAD for design and manufacturing tasks. For part-time mechanical engineers working three days a week, their earnings can be substantial even with a reduced schedule, attracting professionals looking for flexibility. The hourly pay range starts at approximately $30.61 for entry-level positions, climbing to about $63.86 for top earners, showcasing a diverse landscape of pay dependent on experience, credentials, and employer type. Such statistics are grounded in official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, enhancing their credibility for aspiring engineers and established professionals alike.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.61 | $244.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.08 | $304.64 |
| Median (P50) | $47.81 | $382.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.55 | $436.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.86 | $510.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Rapids
Based on $47.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.81/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Rapids, MI can expect to earn approximately $99,437 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,368. With a cost-of-living index of 95.55 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,912.25 | $8,286 | $99,437 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,147.35 | $4,972 | $59,662 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $764.90 | $3,315 | $39,775 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Grand Rapids) | $47.81 |
| 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 Grand Rapids, MI earn a median of $99,431 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.20% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 2.00% below the Michigan state average of $101,460.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.81/hr = $59,662/year (purchasing power: $62,444).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,437/year (purchasing power: $104,073).
CoL index: 95.546 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Grand Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Grand Rapids grew 27.4% from $36.46/hr (2019) to $46.45/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.20/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 Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids
Exploring the potential earnings for part-time mechanical engineers reveals intriguing dynamics in Grand Rapids. Those working 24 hours a week can expect to earn around $59,000 annually if they receive $47.81 per hour, significantly less than full-time colleagues but still competitive. For those considering per-diem mechanical engineer pay in Grand Rapids, contractors typically rate between $90–160 per hour, with specialized roles in HVAC and building systems reaching $100–180 per hour. Engineering professionals involved in aerospace contracting or providing expert testimony can demand even higher rates, with pay ranges from $120 to $500 per hour depending on security clearance and specialized knowledge. Hourly rates can fluctuate based on industry sector; automotive roles at companies like Tesla may offer different compensations compared to positions in consumer products or defense contracting. Engineers need to weigh the value of health insurance benefits against hourly rates when negotiating contracts. For those considering hourly positions within this vibrant market, being informed and prepared is key to securing a favorable agreement.
More salary data for Grand Rapids, 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 Grand Rapids. 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