Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in University Place, WA: $52.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in University Place, WA runs $52.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,546 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against University Place's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,121 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University Place, Washington, the mechanical engineer hourly pay is projected to be $52.18 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $51.51. This rate can provide considerable flexibility for professionals considering part-time work, such as those taking on positions three days a week. With this hourly pay, a part-time mechanical engineer might earn around $40,000 annually, reflecting a valuable income potential in sectors like aerospace, automotive, and HVAC engineering, where CAD software like SolidWorks and CATIA is prevalent. The hourly pay range spans from $37.23 for entry-level positions to as much as $80.88 for top earners, showcasing the opportunities available for engineers entering the workforce in University Place.
About the University Place 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) | $37.23 | $297.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.67 | $333.38 |
| Median (P50) | $52.18 | $417.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.18 | $513.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.88 | $647.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Place
Based on $52.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.18/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Place, WA can expect to earn approximately $108,535 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,617. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in University Place.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Place
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,087.22 | $9,045 | $108,535 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,252.33 | $5,427 | $65,121 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $834.89 | $3,618 | $43,414 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (University Place) | $52.18 |
| 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 University Place, WA earn a median of $108,546 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.30% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $110,648.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.18/hr = $65,121/year (purchasing power: $60,634).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,535/year (purchasing power: $101,057).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in University Place grew 17.7% from $43.06/hr (2019) to $50.70/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.70/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 University Place 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 University Place
Evaluating the earning potential for those in flexible roles reveals a diverse spectrum of opportunities. A mechanical engineer working part-time, averaging 24 hours per week, would still see decent earnings compared to full-time counterparts, though fully employed engineers benefit from greater stability and benefits. For those considering per-diem or contract positions, the landscape varies significantly; rates for mechanical engineers can range from $90 to $160 per hour in different capacities. Specialized roles, particularly those in aerospace and defense, escalate to $120-$220 per hour, especially for security-cleared positions. While accepting lower hourly rates might come with added benefits like health insurance, higher hourly rates often appeal to those seeking flexibility in their careers. Conducting negotiations effectively often hinges on understanding the nuances of employer types in University Place, from automotive companies like Tesla and Rivian to major aerospace firms like Boeing, allowing engineers to capitalize on market demands.
More salary data for University Place, 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 University Place. 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 University Place 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