Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Moses Lake, WA: $51.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Moses Lake, WA runs $51.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,776 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Moses Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,068 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moses Lake, Washington, mechanical engineers receive a median hourly rate of $51.34. This figure is slightly below the national median of $51.51, reflecting regional economic factors while still offering competitive compensation for professionals in the field. With such an hourly rate, engineers can secure a comfortable living, especially for part-time roles working three days a week, allowing for significant flexibility. Many mechanical engineers operate in diverse environments, from aerospace test facilities to automotive engineering offices and manufacturing plant floors, where they utilize advanced CAD tools for design work. The hourly pay for entry-level positions starts at around $39.41, reaching up to $79.26 for top earners involved in high-stakes projects, illustrating the broad spectrum of compensation available based on experience and specialization.
About the Moses Lake Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.41 | $315.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.09 | $344.74 |
| Median (P50) | $51.34 | $410.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.13 | $521.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.26 | $634.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Moses Lake
Based on $51.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.34/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Moses Lake, WA can expect to earn approximately $106,780 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,604. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Moses Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Moses Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,053.46 | $8,898 | $106,780 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,232.08 | $5,339 | $64,068 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $821.38 | $3,559 | $42,712 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Moses Lake) | $51.34 |
| 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 Moses Lake, WA earn a median of $106,776 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.35% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 3.50% below the Washington state average of $110,649.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.34/hr = $64,068/year (purchasing power: $59,654).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,780/year (purchasing power: $99,423).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Moses Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Moses Lake grew 17.7% from $42.37/hr (2019) to $49.88/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.84/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 Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake
Exploring the part-time earning potential in Moses Lake reveals that a mechanical engineer working 24 hours a week would take home roughly $40,030 annually, compared to full-time counterparts who may earn about $106,776. For engineers seeking contract work, per-diem arrangements are attractive, often billing rates from $90 to $160 an hour, particularly for specialized roles in HVAC or aerospace fields. Notably, skilled engineers with security clearances can command even higher rates, ranging from $120 to $220 per hour. Distinct employer types in the region, such as automotive giants like Tesla, and aerospace leaders like Boeing, generally support varied compensation scales. Some engineers opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, while others prefer higher hourly pay without benefits, presenting a trade-off worth considering. For those negotiating their mechanical engineer hourly pay in Moses Lake, understanding the local market and recognizing the importance of specific skills, like P.E. licensure, can be advantageous in securing optimal compensation.
More salary data for Moses Lake, WA:
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 Moses Lake. 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 Moses Lake 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