Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Scranton, PA: $41.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Scranton, PA runs $41.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,370 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Scranton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,827 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Scranton, Pennsylvania, mechanical engineers command a median hourly rate of $41.53, which is significantly lower than the national median of $51.51. This discrepancy affects both full-time positions and part-time roles; for instance, a part-time engineer working three days a week at this rate would earn about $34,000 annually, a contrast to the higher earnings potential seen elsewhere in the country. The typical work settings for these professionals include offices specializing in technology, aerospace, and automotive engineering, where skills in CAD software like SolidWorks can be honed. The hourly pay range for mechanical engineers in the area spans from approximately $31.33 for entry-level positions to $66.26 for experienced professionals, showcasing the potential for growth based on experience and expertise. The official BLS figures reflect projections for 2026, indicating both the regional pay structure and opportunities within specific industries.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.33 | $250.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.08 | $280.60 |
| Median (P50) | $41.53 | $332.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.85 | $406.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.26 | $530.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Scranton
Based on $41.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.53/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Scranton, PA can expect to earn approximately $86,379 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,834. With a cost-of-living index of 93.56 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Scranton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Scranton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,661.13 | $7,198 | $86,379 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $996.68 | $4,319 | $51,827 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $664.45 | $2,879 | $34,551 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Scranton) | $41.53 |
| 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 Scranton, PA earn a median of $86,370 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.39% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 10.90% below the Pennsylvania state average of $96,937.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.53/hr = $51,827/year (purchasing power: $55,397).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,379/year (purchasing power: $92,328).
CoL index: 93.556 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Scranton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Scranton grew 23.8% from $32.60/hr (2019) to $40.35/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.74/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 Scranton 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 Scranton
When considering the part-time potential of a mechanical engineer's earnings in Scranton, it becomes evident that a flexible work schedule can affect financial returns significantly. Working a mere 24 hours each week, an engineer may only take home about $34,000 annually, which could be notably lower compared to full-time earnings. Conversely, those involved in per-diem work or contract positions have the opportunity to bill rates significantly over the local median, often ranging from $90 to $220 per hour, especially in specialized practices. Employers in automotive and aerospace sectors, such as Tesla or Boeing, may provide diverse compensation structures that attract top talent. However, many engineers must weigh the benefits of traditional employment against higher hourly wages without benefits in contract roles. For those negotiating hourly rates, understanding the employer's sector—such as whether they earn on security-cleared positions in defense or competitive tech roles—can guide effective discussions that match their skills with industry standards.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
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 Scranton. 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