Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Coventry, RI: $50.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Coventry, RI runs $50.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,955 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Coventry's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,567 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Mechanical engineers in Coventry, RI, can expect a median hourly rate of $50.94 in 2026, slightly lower than the national hourly median of $51.51. This pay reflects the competitive nature of the profession within specialized environments such as aerospace, automotive, and HVAC sectors. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this translates to a substantial hourly income that can significantly enhance their overall earnings. Entry-level positions may start around $36.40 per hour, while top earners can reach up to $77.60. Such a rate opens doors for various roles across sectors, whether they are in engineering offices with CAD systems, on manufacturing floors, or involved in fieldwork for HVAC or simulation tasks. However, these numbers are derived from annual salary data and must be viewed in the context of hourly engagements.
About the Coventry Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.40 | $291.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.89 | $327.12 |
| Median (P50) | $50.94 | $407.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.87 | $510.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.60 | $620.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Coventry
Based on $50.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.94/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Coventry, RI can expect to earn approximately $105,945 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,122. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Coventry.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Coventry
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,037.40 | $8,829 | $105,945 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,222.44 | $5,297 | $63,567 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $814.96 | $3,532 | $42,378 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Coventry) | $50.94 |
| 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 Coventry, RI earn a median of $105,955 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.12% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 1.60% below the Rhode Island state average of $107,678.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.94/hr = $63,567/year (purchasing power: $63,251).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,945/year (purchasing power: $105,418).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Coventry (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Coventry grew 17.7% from $42.04/hr (2019) to $49.49/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.42/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 Coventry 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 Coventry
Examining the part-time earnings potential reveals that a mechanical engineer working 24 hours a week could take home over $80,000 annually, showcasing the attractiveness of flexible working conditions. On the other hand, per-diem mechanical engineer pay in Coventry can vary significantly; contract workers frequently bill rates from $90 to $160 per hour. Specialized roles tend to command even higher rates—HVAC professionals may earn between $100 and $180, while aerospace contractors often receive upwards of $120 to $220 per hour, given roles requiring security clearance. Engineering firms in the automotive and aerospace industries tend to offer competitive pay, though some engineers choose roles with lower hourly rates to secure benefits like health insurance. Transitioning to contract or freelance work may provide more lucrative hourly compensation, yet it comes with the trade-off of less job security and benefits. To maximize their earning potential, engineers in Coventry should consider how their hourly rates align with local industry standards and remain open to negotiating trade-offs that best fit their financial goals and work-life balance.
More salary data for Coventry, RI:
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 Coventry. 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 Coventry 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