Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Bismarck, ND: $46.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Bismarck, ND runs $46.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,167 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Bismarck's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,301 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bismarck, the mechanical engineer hourly pay is projected to be $46.72 in 2026, which is about 9.32% lower than the national hourly median of $51.51. This average hourly rate provides substantial earning potential for both full-time and part-time professionals in sectors ranging from automotive to aerospace. For instance, a mechanical engineer working three days a week could earn around $46,672 annually by working 24 hours each week, an appealing option for those seeking work-life balance. The hourly range in Bismarck spans from $34.87 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $71.47 for experienced engineers. These figures are derived from annual salaries, illustrating a healthy job market within the tech, aerospace, and automotive industries that often utilize CAD workstations and offer diverse onsite and remote work opportunities.
About the Bismarck Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.87 | $278.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.69 | $309.50 |
| Median (P50) | $46.72 | $373.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.44 | $467.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.47 | $571.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bismarck
Based on $46.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.72/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bismarck, ND can expect to earn approximately $97,168 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,058. With a cost-of-living index of 92.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bismarck.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bismarck
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,868.62 | $8,097 | $97,168 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,121.17 | $4,858 | $58,301 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $747.45 | $3,239 | $38,867 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Bismarck) | $46.72 |
| 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 Bismarck, ND earn a median of $97,167 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.32% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 1.40% below the North Dakota state average of $98,546.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.72/hr = $58,301/year (purchasing power: $63,370).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,168/year (purchasing power: $105,617).
CoL index: 92 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+4.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Bismarck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Bismarck grew -1.3% from $45.99/hr (2019) to $45.39/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.08/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 Bismarck 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 Bismarck
When examining part-time and per-diem opportunities, the earning potential for mechanical engineers can vary significantly. Those on a 1099 contract might bill $90 to $160 per hour, while specialized roles might command even higher rates, particularly in sectors such as aerospace and HVAC, where expertise is in demand. Positions requiring security clearance can fetch between $120 and $220 per hour, especially in project-driven environments like SpaceX or Boeing. Engineering consulting firms may similarly provide lucrative hourly rates, though engineers at companies offering health insurance typically earn lower hourly wages but benefit from stability and additional perks. In Bismarck, the best strategy for mechanical engineers seeking to maximize their pay is to engage in salary negotiations that account for their specific skills and contributions, considering the trade-offs between higher pay without benefits and lower pay with health coverage.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
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 Bismarck. 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 Bismarck 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