Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Irving, TX: $51.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Irving, TX runs $51.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,117 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Irving's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,864 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the mechanical engineer hourly pay in Irving, Texas is projected to reach a median of $51.97, slightly surpassing the national median of $51.51. This competitive rate reflects the presence of various industries in the area, including aerospace, automotive, and HVAC engineering. Mechanical engineers typically work in environments equipped with advanced computer-aided design (CAD) workstations, manufacturing plants, and project sites, making them well-positioned for part-time roles. A mechanical engineer working three days a week will earn approximately $3,801.36 monthly, while entry-level positions may start at around $34.57 per hour, with experienced engineers making up to $80.57 per hour in top-tier roles across corporate settings, government contracts, and consulting firms. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary data, making them essential for understanding the compensation structure in this field.
About the Irving 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) | $34.57 | $276.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.29 | $322.35 |
| Median (P50) | $51.97 | $415.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.54 | $532.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.57 | $644.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Irving
Based on $51.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.97/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Irving, TX can expect to earn approximately $108,107 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,370. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Irving.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Irving
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,078.98 | $9,009 | $108,107 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,247.39 | $5,405 | $64,864 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $831.59 | $3,604 | $43,243 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Irving) | $51.97 |
| 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 Irving, TX earn a median of $108,117 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.90% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 4.80% above the Texas state average of $103,166.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.97/hr = $64,864/year (purchasing power: $67,567).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,107/year (purchasing power: $112,612).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Irving (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Irving grew 17.7% from $42.89/hr (2019) to $50.50/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.49/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 Irving 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 Irving
Exploring part-time earning potential reveals that a mechanical engineer working a 24-hour week actually takes home around $45,645 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For those seeking flexibility, per-diem mechanical engineer pay in Irving can be lucrative, often reaching between $90 and $160 per hour for contract workers, with specialized fields like HVAC and aerospace commanding even higher rates. In a city with major employers such as Boeing and Tesla, hourly rates vary widely based on industry and demand, with niches like security-cleared aerospace engineering offering premiums as high as $220 per hour. While accepting lower hourly rates in traditional roles may provide benefits like health insurance, some engineers prioritize higher pay without such benefits, opting for contract work. For those working on an hourly basis in Irving, practical negotiation might include considering the trade-off between a stable paycheck with benefits and the potential for higher compensation without them. Such insights are crucial for mechanical engineers looking to optimize their career paths in this evolving market.
More salary data for Irving, 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 Irving. 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 Irving 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