Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Texarkana, TX: $52.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Texarkana, TX runs $52.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,435 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Texarkana's regional price level (BEA RPP 84.0, 16% below national), each hour of work buys what $62.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,661 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Texarkana, the mechanical engineer hourly pay stands at $52.61, which slightly surpasses the national median of $51.51. This higher hourly compensation reflects the city's growing demand for skilled professionals in sectors like tech, aerospace, and automotive engineering. The typical work environment, encompassing engineering offices equipped with advanced CAD workstations, manufacturing facilities, and aerospace test ranges, caters to a range of mechanical engineers. Those working part-time, for example, at three days a week, can still capitalize on this pay rate, making it sustainable for those seeking flexibility. Entry-level positions start at $30.77 per hour, while established professionals can earn as much as $82.36 per hour, creating a varied landscape for those entering the field.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.77 | $246.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.83 | $310.65 |
| Median (P50) | $52.61 | $420.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.12 | $456.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.36 | $658.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Texarkana
Based on $52.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.61/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Texarkana, TX can expect to earn approximately $109,434 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,135. With a cost-of-living index of 84.01 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Texarkana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Texarkana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,104.51 | $9,120 | $109,434 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,262.70 | $5,472 | $65,661 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $841.80 | $3,648 | $43,774 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Texarkana) | $52.61 |
| 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 Texarkana, TX earn a median of $109,435 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.13% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 6.10% above the Texas state average of $103,143.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.61/hr = $65,661/year (purchasing power: $78,156).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,434/year (purchasing power: $130,260).
CoL index: 84.012 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Texarkana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Texarkana grew 17.7% from $43.42/hr (2019) to $51.12/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.15/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 Texarkana 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 Texarkana
For mechanical engineers considering part-time work in Texarkana, a schedule of just three days per week would yield an annual income significantly less than that of full-time equivalents. While those who work full-time engage in more predictable financial scenarios, per-diem mechanical engineers can command rates of $90 to $160 per hour for specialized contract work. High-demand roles, particularly in aerospace or HVAC, could lead to an even higher per-hour wage, reaching $120 to $220 for those in clearance-required positions. This versatility in potential pay highlights the employer differences in Texarkana where automotive giants like Tesla and traditional defense firms like Boeing may offer distinct compensation structures. Trade-offs between hourly pay versus comprehensive benefits often influence job choices, with some engineers opting for lower hourly compensation in exchange for benefits like health insurance. As hourly workers negotiate their rates, understanding the specific market conditions, employer reputation, and the engineering specialties in demand can optimize their financial outcomes in the local job market.
More salary data for Texarkana, 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 Texarkana. 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, 4-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