Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Brookfield, WI: $45.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Brookfield, WI runs $45.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,660 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Brookfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,798 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brookfield, Wisconsin, the mechanical engineer hourly pay is projected to be $45.51 in 2026, which positions it notably below the national median hourly rate of $51.51. This wage reflects the local market dynamics and cost of living index, which is 93.4, indicating that Brookfield's living expenses are lower than the national average. For part-time workers operating three days a week in engineering offices or manufacturing facilities, this translates to a substantial yet tangible earning potential, considering they can navigate various settings, from CAD design environments to manufacturing plant floors. The hourly pay in Brookfield spans from $32.66 at the entry-level (P10) to $67.65 for top earners (P90), providing a clear earning spectrum for mechanical engineers, making it crucial for those entering the field or considering a move into freelance or per-diem positions to understand these dynamics.
About the Brookfield Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.66 | $261.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.25 | $305.96 |
| Median (P50) | $45.51 | $364.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.04 | $448.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.65 | $541.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brookfield
Based on $45.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.51/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brookfield, WI can expect to earn approximately $94,663 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,613. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Brookfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brookfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,820.45 | $7,889 | $94,663 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,092.27 | $4,733 | $56,798 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $728.18 | $3,155 | $37,865 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Brookfield) | $45.51 |
| 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 Brookfield, WI earn a median of $94,660 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.66% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 1.70% below the Wisconsin state average of $96,297.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.51/hr = $56,798/year (purchasing power: $60,812).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,663/year (purchasing power: $101,353).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Brookfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Brookfield grew 17.7% from $37.56/hr (2019) to $44.22/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.84/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 Brookfield 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 Brookfield
Focusing on the part-time earning prospects, a mechanical engineer working 24 hours a week would expect to take home around $56,000 annually, compared to those in full-time roles. In terms of per-diem or contract work, it's common to see mechanical engineers billing $90 to $160 per hour, especially for specialized sectors like HVAC, aerospace, or energy where project demands dictate higher rates. This breadth of earning potential does, however, come with trade-offs, as many engineers face the choice between securing potentially higher pay without benefits from contract or agency work versus stable hourly wages that may offer health insurance and retirement options. Additionally, different firms in Brookfield can shift the scales significantly; automotive companies like Tesla or Rivian may offer higher rates than traditional manufacturers, while engineering firms focused on consumer products or HVAC systems will have their own benchmarks. Those negotiating their hourly pay should consider these variances carefully, keeping in mind how their specific skills and qualifications, such as PE licensure, align with the industry's evolving needs and compensation frameworks.
More salary data for Brookfield, WI:
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 Brookfield. 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 Brookfield 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