Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Holland, MI: $46.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Holland, MI runs $46.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,925 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Holland's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,160 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Holland, Michigan, the projected hourly pay for mechanical engineers is set at $46.60, which falls below the national median of $51.51. This hourly rate reflects the unique economic conditions of the area, driven in part by local industries like automotive manufacturing and aerospace engineering. For mechanical engineers working part-time—say, three days a week at 24 hours—the annual pay can provide a stable income while allowing flexibility. The typical work environments range from tech-driven settings utilizing CAD software, such as SolidWorks or CATIA, to hands-on manufacturing floors and aerospace testing facilities. The hourly pay can vary significantly, with entry-level engineers earning around $34.90 and seasoned professionals at the higher end of the spectrum making upwards of $71.22 per hour.
About the Holland 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) | $34.90 | $279.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.58 | $308.68 |
| Median (P50) | $46.60 | $372.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.57 | $468.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.22 | $569.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Holland
Based on $46.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.60/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Holland, MI can expect to earn approximately $96,933 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,923. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Holland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Holland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,864.09 | $8,078 | $96,933 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,118.45 | $4,847 | $58,160 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $745.63 | $3,231 | $38,773 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Holland) | $46.60 |
| 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 Holland, MI earn a median of $96,925 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.54% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 4.40% below the Michigan state average of $101,386.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.60/hr = $58,160/year (purchasing power: $62,403).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,933/year (purchasing power: $104,005).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Holland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Holland grew 17.7% from $38.46/hr (2019) to $45.28/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.96/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 Holland 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 Holland
Considering the earning potential for part-time and contract mechanical engineers, the realities differ greatly from full-time positions. A mechanical engineer working a three-day schedule may take home around $57,888 annually, lacking benefits typically offered in full-time roles. Moreover, opportunities for per diem mechanical engineer pay in Holland can be lucrative; many contractors earn between $90 and $160 per hour, while specialized roles like those in HVAC systems or aerospace engineering can demand rates as high as $220 per hour for contract work. The employer type also influences pay dynamics; engineering consultants, consumer product companies, and defense contractors often provide higher rates than traditional automotive firms. Mechanical engineers in this context must evaluate the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits such as health insurance. As they consider job offers, those negotiating hourly rates should articulate their experience and credentials—especially if they possess security clearances applicable to defense or aerospace work—to ensure they secure favorable compensation in Holland's diverse engineering sector.
More salary data for Holland, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Holland in 2026?
How much do part-time mechanical engineers make in Holland?
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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 Holland. 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 Holland 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