Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Winona, MN: $45.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Winona, MN runs $45.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,708 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Winona's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,824 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers working in Winona, Minnesota, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $45.53. This figure falls short of the national hourly median of $51.51, reflecting a regional variance that might influence local job seekers. Those in this profession can expect to see hourly rates ranging from $33.69 at entry-level positions to as high as $68.86 for experienced professionals, indicating a strong potential for growth. Opportunities are often found within specialized environments such as aerospace test ranges, manufacturing floors, and HVAC systems. For part-time engineers hoping to work three days a week, the hourly pay may offer a satisfactory balance of income, especially when considering the variety of roles from CAD design to remote simulations.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.69 | $269.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.25 | $297.97 |
| Median (P50) | $45.53 | $364.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.79 | $454.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.86 | $550.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winona
Based on $45.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.53/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winona, MN can expect to earn approximately $94,706 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,638. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Winona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,821.27 | $7,892 | $94,706 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,092.76 | $4,735 | $56,824 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $728.51 | $3,157 | $37,882 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Winona) | $45.53 |
| 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 Winona, MN earn a median of $94,708 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.61% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 5.20% below the Minnesota state average of $99,903.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.53/hr = $56,824/year (purchasing power: $57,689).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,706/year (purchasing power: $96,148).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Winona grew 17.7% from $37.58/hr (2019) to $44.24/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.86/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 Winona 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 Winona
Evaluating the hourly earning potential further opens a discussion about part-time and per-diem opportunities within the industry. A mechanical engineer working part-time, say 24 hours a week, can earn a significant income while balancing other pursuits. Per diem mechanical engineer pay in Winona is attractive, with contract and specialized roles billing anywhere from $90 to $220 per hour based on expertise, such as those with aviation security clearances or roles focused on HVAC systems. Hourly rates can shift depending on the employing company—key players in automotive, aerospace, or consumer technology companies often provide varied compensation rates. Some engineers may trade higher hourly pay for the stability of benefits, particularly in larger firms or engineering consultancies. As part of negotiating hourly pay, professionals should be aware of market rates and potential offerings to ensure they're making informed career decisions in Winona.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Winona in 2026?
How much do part-time mechanical engineers make in Winona?
Are mechanical engineers in Winona paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time mechanical engineer make per year in Winona?
Do mechanical engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Winona?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 Winona. 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 Winona 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