Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Denton, TX: $49.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Denton, TX runs $49.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,575 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Denton's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,550 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Denton, Texas, the projected median hourly pay for mechanical engineers stands at $49.32, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $51.51. This rate is significant for professionals considering various work arrangements, particularly those who take part-time positions, often working three days a week. In typical settings such as aerospace test ranges or automotive engineering offices, these hourly figures translate to competitive compensation, especially when utilizing advanced CAD software like SolidWorks or CATIA. Entry-level engineers can expect to earn around $35.27 per hour, while the most experienced professionals can command rates up to $76.44. Such variability allows for a flexible workforce comprising part-time engineers and per-diem workers in Denton who engage in high-demand fields such as HVAC building systems or advanced aerospace projects.
About the Denton Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.27 | $282.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.79 | $318.31 |
| Median (P50) | $49.32 | $394.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.12 | $504.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.44 | $611.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Denton
Based on $49.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.32/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Denton, TX can expect to earn approximately $102,584 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,183. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Denton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Denton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,972.77 | $8,549 | $102,584 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,183.66 | $5,129 | $61,550 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $789.11 | $3,419 | $41,034 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Denton) | $49.32 |
| 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 Denton, TX earn a median of $102,575 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.27% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 0.60% below the Texas state average of $103,194.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.32/hr = $61,550/year (purchasing power: $64,115).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,584/year (purchasing power: $106,858).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Denton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Denton grew 17.7% from $40.70/hr (2019) to $47.92/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.76/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 Denton 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 Denton
Focusing on part-time opportunities, a mechanical engineer working three days a week for a total of 24 hours can earn approximately $62,174 annually, compared to full-time colleagues who earn significantly more. The reality of contract work for mechanical engineers can lead to lucrative per diem rates, often billing between $90 and $160 an hour, especially for specialized roles like HVAC and building systems. Markedly, aerospace engineers with security clearances can see hourly rates soar to $120-$220. This disparity illustrates that while hourly rates vary widely between employers—from Tesla and SpaceX to HVAC firms and engineering consultancies—many engineers opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for the stability offered by benefits. In negotiating hourly rates in Denton, engineers should emphasize their technical skills and the demand for specialized expertise, while remaining aware of market fluctuations in various sectors.
More salary data for Denton, TX:
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 Denton. 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 Denton 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