Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Concord, NC: $51.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Concord, NC runs $51.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,644 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Concord's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,991 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Concord, North Carolina, mechanical engineers earn a median pay of $51.27 per hour, which aligns closely with the national median hourly rate of $51.51. This level of compensation provides a solid basis for both full-time and part-time professionals in the field, where those working three days a week may find a favorable work-life balance within companies focused on aerospace, automotive, and HVAC design. The hourly wage range for this profession spans from $35.21 for entry-level positions to as high as $79.47 for top earners, reflecting the robust demand for skills in high-tech environments, such as CAD workstations for design or manufacturing plant floors. Given these figures, mechanical engineers in Concord can expect a considerable return on their educational investments, particularly as they harness advanced technologies to support innovative engineering solutions.
About the Concord Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.21 | $281.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.25 | $322.02 |
| Median (P50) | $51.27 | $410.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.62 | $524.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.47 | $635.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Concord
Based on $51.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.27/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Concord, NC can expect to earn approximately $106,651 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,530. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Concord.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Concord
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,050.99 | $8,888 | $106,651 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,230.59 | $5,333 | $63,991 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $820.40 | $3,555 | $42,661 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Concord) | $51.27 |
| 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 Concord, NC earn a median of $106,644 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.47% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 3.60% above the North Carolina state average of $102,938.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.27/hr = $63,991/year (purchasing power: $68,366).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,651/year (purchasing power: $113,944).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Concord (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Concord grew 17.7% from $42.32/hr (2019) to $49.82/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.77/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 Concord 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 Concord
Focusing on the part-time earning potential, a three-day work week totaling 24 hours allows a mechanical engineer in Concord to potentially earn around $49,308 annually, a significant contrast to full-time salaries. For those considering per-diem or contract work, per diem mechanical engineer pay in Concord can often exceed standard wages, with billing rates generally ranging from $90 to $160 per hour. Specialized professionals, such as HVAC engineers or those with a background in aerospace, can command even higher rates, particularly if they hold security clearances, which can elevate hourly pay to between $120 and $220. The type of employer significantly influences compensation; firms in sectors such as automotive (like Tesla and GM) or defense (Boeing, Lockheed Martin) typically offer varying scales of pay based on the complexity and sensitivity of projects. Another factor to consider is the benefits trade-off—engineers may opt for positions with a lower hourly rate but comprehensive health benefits versus higher pay without such coverage. Navigating these choices can require practical negotiation strategies, especially in a competitive market like Concord, where skilled engineers are in high demand.
More salary data for Concord, NC:
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 Concord. 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 Concord 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