Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Laramie, WY: $48.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Laramie, WY runs $48.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,453 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Laramie's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,870 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laramie, Wyoming, mechanical engineers earn a median hourly rate of $48.77, which falls below the national median of $51.51. This hourly rate opens various opportunities for work arrangements, including part-time positions that typically involve three days a week or per-diem contracts in sectors like technology, aerospace, automotive engineering, HVAC systems, and remote simulation. For instance, an entry-level engineer can expect to make around $35.23 per hour, while seasoned professionals may reach as high as $73.01 per hour, illustrating the profession's potential for growth as one advances in skills and experience. These numbers serve as estimates derived from annual salary data, showcasing the financial prospects for engineers in Laramie's diverse environments such as manufacturing plants, design studios, or testing facilities.
About the Laramie Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.23 | $281.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.42 | $315.35 |
| Median (P50) | $48.77 | $390.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.37 | $482.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.01 | $584.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laramie
Based on $48.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.77/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laramie, WY can expect to earn approximately $101,449 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,529. With a cost-of-living index of 95.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Laramie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laramie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,950.95 | $8,454 | $101,449 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,170.57 | $5,072 | $60,870 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $780.38 | $3,382 | $40,580 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Laramie) | $48.77 |
| 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 Laramie, WY earn a median of $101,453 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.32% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 1.20% below the Wyoming state average of $102,686.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.77/hr = $60,870/year (purchasing power: $63,538).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,449/year (purchasing power: $105,897).
CoL index: 95.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Laramie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Laramie grew 17.7% from $40.25/hr (2019) to $47.39/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.20/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 Laramie 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 Laramie
Examining the part-time earning potential offers further insights into the financial viability of working as a mechanical engineer in Laramie. A mechanical engineer working three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, would take home approximately $60,577 annually compared to a full-time counterpart. Additionally, per-diem mechanical engineer pay in Laramie can vary significantly, with rates often ranging from $90 to $160 per hour for contract roles. Specialized positions, particularly in HVAC or aerospace sectors, can command rates of $100 to $220 per hour, influenced by the security clearance and expertise required. Different employer types have varying budgets; automotive companies like Tesla and Rivian, defense contractors, and energy firms offer competitive hourly rates. The choice between lower hourly rates with benefits versus higher rates without can dramatically impact personal financial decisions. Local engineers should negotiate wisely, understanding their industry leverage and market demands to secure optimal pay while considering associated benefits.
More salary data for Laramie, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Laramie in 2026?
How much do part-time mechanical engineers make in Laramie?
Are mechanical engineers in Laramie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time mechanical engineer make per year in Laramie?
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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 Laramie. 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 Laramie 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