Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Bozeman, MT: $43.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Bozeman, MT runs $43.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,405 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Bozeman's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.5, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,242 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bozeman, Montana, mechanical engineers can expect a median hourly pay of $43.46, which trails the national median of $51.51. This hourly rate suggests a range of opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers in various engineering environments such as tech, automotive, and aerospace industries. In typical settings equipped with advanced CAD workstations, engineers can earn between $32.35 and $54.52 per hour, depending on their experience and skill level. Entry-level positions may see hourly rates starting at the lower end of this spectrum, while seasoned professionals can command rates approaching the maximum, particularly in specialized fields. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate that these figures reflect a stable demand for mechanical engineers in Bozeman, contributing to a growing workforce amid the city's dynamic engineering landscape.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.35 | $258.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.26 | $306.04 |
| Median (P50) | $43.46 | $347.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.55 | $404.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.52 | $436.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bozeman
Based on $43.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.46/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bozeman, MT can expect to earn approximately $90,403 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,156. With a cost-of-living index of 102.51 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bozeman.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bozeman
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,738.52 | $7,534 | $90,403 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,043.11 | $4,520 | $54,242 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $695.41 | $3,013 | $36,161 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Bozeman) | $43.46 |
| 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 Bozeman, MT earn a median of $90,405 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.63% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 12.30% below the Montana state average of $103,084.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.46/hr = $54,242/year (purchasing power: $52,914).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,403/year (purchasing power: $88,190).
CoL index: 102.51 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Bozeman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Bozeman grew 17.7% from $35.87/hr (2019) to $42.23/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.73/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 Bozeman 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 Bozeman
Considering the earning potential for part-time mechanical engineers working three days a week, one might anticipate an annual income that aligns closely with full-time pay but significantly benefits from flexibility. For instance, someone working a 24-hour week at the hourly median could take home around $30,400 annually. In the realm of per-diem mechanical engineer pay in Bozeman, contract rates can reach between $90 and $160 per hour, with specialized roles in HVAC or aerospace drawing even higher compensation. Industry dynamics also influence pay rates; while traditional automotive firms tend to offer lower compensation compared to firms like SpaceX or Tesla, those roles might come with more comprehensive benefits. Engineers in Bozeman should consider this trade-off when negotiating, weighing options that include health insurance against potential higher pay without benefits. For those exploring hourly opportunities, it's advisable to understand the local job market and highlight industry experience when discussing compensation.
More salary data for Bozeman, MT:
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 Bozeman. 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, 2-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