Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Rawlins, WY: $46.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Rawlins, WY runs $46.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,289 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Rawlins's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,378 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median hourly pay of $46.78 for mechanical engineers in Rawlins, Wyoming, this rate is notably below the national median of $51.51 per hour. Such compensation reflects the specific demands of the local labor market, characterized by roles in automotive, aerospace, and HVAC engineering. For part-time workers, particularly those seeking three-day work weeks, the hourly rate offers a steady income but may not compete with the more lucrative per-diem pay structures available in specialized fields. Entry-level positions fall on the lower end of the spectrum at $34.02, while more experienced engineers may command up to $71.30. These figures, based on estimates from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, suggest a relatively stable employment landscape where hourly workers can find opportunities across various settings, including tech offices, manufacturing plants, and remote simulation environments.
About the Rawlins 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) | $34.02 | $272.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.79 | $302.34 |
| Median (P50) | $46.78 | $374.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.41 | $451.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.30 | $570.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rawlins
Based on $46.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.78/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rawlins, WY can expect to earn approximately $97,296 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,133. With a cost-of-living index of 95.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rawlins.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rawlins
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,871.09 | $8,108 | $97,296 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,122.65 | $4,865 | $58,378 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $748.43 | $3,243 | $38,919 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Rawlins) | $46.78 |
| 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 Rawlins, WY earn a median of $97,289 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.20% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 5.20% below the Wyoming state average of $102,626.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.78/hr = $58,378/year (purchasing power: $60,937).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,296/year (purchasing power: $101,562).
CoL index: 95.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Rawlins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Rawlins grew 17.7% from $38.60/hr (2019) to $45.45/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.14/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 Rawlins 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 Rawlins
Analyzing the earning potential for mechanical engineers working part-time in Rawlins, those on a three-day work schedule, logging about 24 hours a week, could expect to take home approximately $57,843 annually. This contrasts sharply with the full-time salary of a mechanical engineer, highlighting significant differences in total income based on weekly hours worked. Per-diem work is particularly lucrative, often charging rates between $90 and $160 per hour for general contract work. Specialized roles in sectors like aerospace engineering may earn even higher rates, with some positions demanding $120 to $220 per hour, especially in security-cleared opportunities. Engineers associated with automotive companies like Tesla may find a competitive edge in their compensation, but often at the cost of benefits. Negotiating a higher hourly rate might require workers to consider trade-offs in health insurance and other benefits offered by traditional employers compared to those willing to freelance at a premium. Knowledge of local market rates and weekly hours worked is crucial for engineers in Rawlins to make informed career and financial decisions.
More salary data for Rawlins, WY:
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 Rawlins. 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 Rawlins 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