Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Taylor, MI: $48.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Taylor, MI runs $48.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,490 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Taylor's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,292 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Taylor, Michigan, mechanical engineers earn a median hourly rate of $48.31, which falls below the national median of $51.51. This hourly pay reflects the local demand for professionals skilled in fields such as automotive, aerospace, and HVAC systems. For part-time workers, clocking in three days a week typically translates to significant earnings, while per-diem opportunities may further enhance financial stability. Entry-level positions start at approximately $32.44, while experienced engineers can command rates upwards of $74.56 per hour. This hourly rate is estimated from annual salary data and accounts for the area's cost of living, which is generally lower than the national average, making Taylor an attractive place for mechanical engineers to grow their careers.
About the Taylor 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) | $32.44 | $259.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.30 | $322.43 |
| Median (P50) | $48.31 | $386.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.72 | $485.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.56 | $596.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Taylor
Based on $48.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.31/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Taylor, MI can expect to earn approximately $100,486 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,973. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Taylor.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Taylor
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,932.43 | $8,374 | $100,486 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,159.46 | $5,024 | $60,292 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $772.97 | $3,350 | $40,194 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Taylor) | $48.31 |
| 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 Taylor, MI earn a median of $100,490 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.22% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 0.90% below the Michigan state average of $101,403.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.31/hr = $60,292/year (purchasing power: $64,691).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,486/year (purchasing power: $107,818).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Taylor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Taylor grew 17.7% from $39.87/hr (2019) to $46.94/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.72/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 Taylor 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 Taylor
Part-time mechanical engineers working 24 hours a week in Taylor could realize annual earnings around $59,966, significantly less than their full-time counterparts but still offering lucrative prospects. For those considering per-diem contracts, the market presents opportunities that typically range from $90 to $160 per hour, with specialized areas such as HVAC often yielding between $100 and $180. Notably, contract positions in aerospace roles can reach $120 to $220 per hour, particularly with reputable firms seeking security-cleared personnel. The choice between pursuing higher hourly wages with no benefits and lower rates that include health insurance can be a tough decision for engineers. To maximize earnings, skilled professionals should negotiate based on their substantial technical expertise, existing certifications, and the specific demands of their employer, whether they work in automotive giants like Ford or innovative firms like SpaceX.
More salary data for Taylor, 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 Taylor. 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 Taylor 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