Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Nacogdoches, TX: $47.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Nacogdoches, TX runs $47.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,905 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Nacogdoches's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,738 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Nacogdoches, Texas, the mechanical engineer hourly pay reaches a median of $47.07, which falls below the national hourly median of $51.51. This compensation reflects opportunities for both part-time professionals and those engaged in per-diem work. For instance, a mechanical engineer working part-time, perhaps three days a week, can expect to earn around $2,733 weekly based on this hourly rate, which can be a viable option for those seeking flexible work arrangements. The hourly pay spans from $34.88 for entry-level positions to $71.21 for the top earners, illustrating a broad salary range that accommodates varying levels of experience and specialization. Mechanical engineers typically find themselves in environments such as automotive engineering offices, aerospace test ranges, and manufacturing plant floors where proficiency in CAD software is essential, which can quickly ramp up earning potential in the field.
About the Nacogdoches 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) | $34.88 | $279.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.55 | $300.36 |
| Median (P50) | $47.07 | $376.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.82 | $470.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.21 | $569.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Nacogdoches
Based on $47.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.07/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Nacogdoches, TX can expect to earn approximately $97,896 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,478. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Nacogdoches.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Nacogdoches
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,882.61 | $8,158 | $97,896 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,129.57 | $4,895 | $58,738 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $753.05 | $3,263 | $39,158 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Nacogdoches) | $47.07 |
| 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 Nacogdoches, TX earn a median of $97,905 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.63% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 5.10% below the Texas state average of $103,166.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.07/hr = $58,738/year (purchasing power: $61,185).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,896/year (purchasing power: $101,975).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Nacogdoches (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Nacogdoches grew 17.7% from $38.84/hr (2019) to $45.73/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.44/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 Nacogdoches 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 Nacogdoches
Part-time earning potential can be substantial, as a mechanical engineer working just 24 hours a week could see an annual income of approximately $64,000, which is competitive compared to full-time roles. However, many engineers may also consider per-diem or contract positions, where pay rates can vary significantly. Such roles might command between $90 and $160 per hour, especially in specialized fields like HVAC or aerospace, where advanced skills may be required. Positions at notable employers, such as large automotive companies or defense contractors, often maintain competitive wages, benefiting from higher demand and specific project requirements. Some engineers might opt for higher hourly rates while sacrificing benefits, leading to an ongoing trade-off in job satisfaction versus financial needs. In the job market, effective negotiation strategies can help hourly workers secure favorable terms, considering skills enhancements like obtaining PE licensure or working within industries that offer greater compensation for specific roles.
More salary data for Nacogdoches, 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 Nacogdoches. 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 Nacogdoches 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