Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Florence, SC: $51.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Florence, SC runs $51.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,831 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Florence's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.8, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $59.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,094 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Florence, South Carolina, mechanical engineers are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $51.36 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $51.51. This hourly pay is indicative of the typical roles they secure in sectors such as tech and aerospace, where CAD systems like SolidWorks and CATIA are prevalent. Those working part-time, perhaps three days a week, can expect to make a significant income, especially if they engage in per-diem work alongside their engineering duties. The hourly wage ranges from $32.35 at entry-level positions to $65.33 for seasoned professionals, reflecting a diverse set of abilities and responsibilities across various environments—from manufacturing floors to aerospace facilities and HVAC system evaluations. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.35 | $258.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.63 | $317.08 |
| Median (P50) | $51.36 | $410.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.43 | $515.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.33 | $522.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Florence
Based on $51.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.36/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Florence, SC can expect to earn approximately $106,823 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,628. With a cost-of-living index of 86.77 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Florence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Florence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,054.28 | $8,902 | $106,823 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,232.57 | $5,341 | $64,094 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $821.71 | $3,561 | $42,729 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Florence) | $51.36 |
| 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 Florence, SC earn a median of $106,831 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.30% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 0.20% below the South Carolina state average of $107,045.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.36/hr = $64,094/year (purchasing power: $73,863).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,823/year (purchasing power: $123,105).
CoL index: 86.774 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Florence grew 23.2% from $40.51/hr (2019) to $49.90/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.86/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 Florence 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 Florence
For mechanical engineers in Florence, the per diem or contract work model can yield different financial outcomes compared to traditional employment. A part-time engineer working 24 hours a week may see total earnings that are considerably less than a full-time counterpart, highlighting the trade-offs involved. Per-diem pay rates for mechanical engineers can vary widely, with contractors billing anywhere from $90 to $160 per hour in general assignments, while specialized roles, like those in aerospace or HVAC, may command even higher hourly rates ranging from $100 to $220. Moreover, the choice between lower hourly rates with benefits and higher rates without them often influences career trajectories in the mechanical engineering field. Employers such as Tesla and Boeing may offer differing pay scales, impacting long-term earning potential, while negotiation strategies highly valued in Florence include understanding regional pay norms and emphasizing specialized skills to secure favorable terms.
More salary data for Florence, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Florence in 2026?
How much do part-time mechanical engineers make in Florence?
Are mechanical engineers in Florence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time mechanical engineer make per year in Florence?
Do mechanical engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Florence?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 Florence. 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