Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Kingston, NY: $44.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Kingston, NY runs $44.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,782 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Kingston's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.7, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,668 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kingston, NY, mechanical engineers earn a median hourly rate of $44.61, which is significantly below the national median of $51.51. This hourly pay reflects the average compensation in various environments, from tech and aerospace to automotive engineering settings that often utilize CAD software such as SolidWorks and CATIA. For mechanical engineers working part-time, typically three days a week, this translates to a substantial earnings potential while allowing for flexibility. With an hourly range from $35.61 at the entry-level up to $64.98 for the top earners, the diverse work settings—including manufacturing and HVAC systems—provide varied compensation reflective of skills and experience. The data referenced is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, offering insight into the evolving pay structure for this profession in the local area.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.61 | $284.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.79 | $318.31 |
| Median (P50) | $44.61 | $356.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.70 | $437.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.98 | $519.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kingston
Based on $44.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.61/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kingston, NY can expect to earn approximately $92,779 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,527. With a cost-of-living index of 100.71 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kingston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kingston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,784.22 | $7,732 | $92,779 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,070.53 | $4,639 | $55,668 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $713.69 | $3,093 | $37,112 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Kingston) | $44.61 |
| 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 Kingston, NY earn a median of $92,782 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.41% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 7.40% below the New York state average of $100,197.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.61/hr = $55,668/year (purchasing power: $55,276).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,779/year (purchasing power: $92,126).
CoL index: 100.709 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Kingston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Kingston grew 12.8% from $38.43/hr (2019) to $43.34/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.91/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 Kingston 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 Kingston
For those considering a part-time or per diem workload, the mechanical engineer hourly pay in Kingston offers interesting dynamics. If a mechanical engineer averages 24 hours a week at $44.61, their take-home pay can add up to around $55,454 annually, notably less than full-time counterparts. Per diem contracts are also prevalent, with pay rates typically ranging from $90 to $160 per hour depending on specialization. For roles such as HVAC professionals or aerospace engineers on security-cleared contracts, hourly rates can climb to between $100 and $220. This variability in pay often leads engineers to negotiate for higher rates, weighing benefits offered by full-time positions against the flexibility of contract work. A strategic approach when negotiating hourly pay is vital, particularly in Kingston’s competitive job market, where specialized skills could secure more favorable terms. Ultimately, understanding the local employer landscape—including automotive giants like Tesla and aerospace leaders such as Boeing—can further aid engineers in their career advancement and compensation discussions.
More salary data for Kingston, NY:
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 Kingston. 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, 7-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