Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Camden, NJ: $50.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Camden, NJ runs $50.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,893 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Camden's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,938 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Camden, NJ, the 2026 median hourly pay for mechanical engineers is projected to be $50.43, which is slightly below the national median of $51.51. This hourly rate offers a range of possibilities for those working part-time, such as a mechanical engineer with a three-day workweek, who could expect to earn approximately $41,750 a year if averaging 24 hours a week. Positions in Camden typically require expertise in various engineering environments, from tech and automotive settings using advanced CAD software to manufacturing and aerospace facilities where engineers may engage in both on-site and remote simulation work. The hourly wage ranges from an entry-level rate of $36.11 to an impressive $78.17 for top earners, reflecting strong demand for skilled engineers across sectors including aerospace, automotive, and HVAC systems.
About the Camden Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.11 | $288.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.58 | $324.65 |
| Median (P50) | $50.43 | $403.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.55 | $516.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.17 | $625.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Camden
Based on $50.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.43/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Camden, NJ can expect to earn approximately $104,896 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,517. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Camden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Camden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,017.23 | $8,741 | $104,896 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,210.34 | $5,245 | $62,938 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $806.89 | $3,497 | $41,958 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Camden) | $50.43 |
| 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 Camden, NJ earn a median of $104,893 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.11% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 15.00% below the New Jersey state average of $123,404.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.43/hr = $62,938/year (purchasing power: $54,633).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,896/year (purchasing power: $91,056).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Camden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Camden grew 17.7% from $41.62/hr (2019) to $49.00/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.90/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 Camden 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 Camden
Professionals choosing to work as per-diem mechanical engineers in Camden often find that they can command significantly higher rates. Those on a contract basis might traditionally bill anywhere from $90 to $160 per hour, with specialized roles, such as HVAC project engineers or aerospace contractors, potentially earning between $100 and $220 per hour depending on the project and security clearance requirements. The type of employer can also significantly influence hourly compensation; automotive companies like Tesla and Rivian tend to offer competitive pay but may come with equity components, while traditional aerospace and defense contractors might provide stability with lower rates balanced by health benefits. Engineers should consider these trade-offs carefully when negotiating their hourly rate, especially since some may prefer lower rates with consistent benefits rather than higher pay without job security. Understanding the local market dynamics in Camden and how they align with personal career goals is crucial for professionals navigating their pay structure.
More salary data for Camden, NJ:
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 Camden. 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 Camden 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