Mechanical Engineer Salary in Albany, GA: $107,551 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Albany, GA earns a median $107,551/year (≈ $51.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Albany's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.7), that paycheck buys what $122,678 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% above the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Albany, Georgia, mechanical engineers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $107,551 in 2026, which is slightly higher than the national median of $107,150. Salaries in this field range from $66,322 at the lower end to $151,087 for those in the top percentile. These figures are sourced from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) surveys and reflect the area's dynamic manufacturing landscape where the aerospace and defense sectors, alongside automotive engineering, significantly influence compensation structures. Albany's job market benefits from the presence of companies in aeronautics like SpaceX and traditional automotive giants, creating a competitive salary environment that appeals to qualified candidates.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,322 | $31.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,183 | $39.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $107,551 | $51.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $137,995 | $66.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $151,087 | $72.64 |
Median Salary Position
0.37% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Albany
In Albany, GA, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $84,765 (2026 est.). At $107,551, the local median is 0.37% above the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Albany: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Albany Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Albany median: $107,551/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Albany Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $104,520 | +2.90% more |
| National Average | $107,150 | +0.37% more |
Mechanical Engineers in Albany, GA earn a median of $107,551 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.37% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 2.90% above the Georgia state average of $104,520.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Albany has a cost of living 12.33% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Albany, GA has a cost-of-living index of 87.669 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $107,551 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $122,678 in an average-cost city — an effective 14.06% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,260
2025 BLS Actual
$104,500
2026 Current Est.
$107,551
2019–2027 Growth
+20.0%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,260 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,700 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,657 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,671 | Actual |
| 2023 | $102,150 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,860 | Actual |
| 2025 | $104,500 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $107,551 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,692 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Albany metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 13.3% from $92,260 (2019) to $104,500 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,692 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,432 (19.98%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albany 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $66,322 – $81,183 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,183 – $107,551 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $107,551 – $137,995 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $137,995 – $151,087 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Albany
The local job market showcases about 40 mechanical engineers currently employed in Albany, offering a distinct advantage for newcomers seeking opportunities. With a cost-of-living index of 87.669, the region presents a favorable scenario for engineers, whose salaries allow for a comfortable lifestyle compared to many parts of the country. To maximize pay in this market, professionals should consider seeking positions with leading employers such as Boeing or Lockheed Martin in aerospace, as these typically pay higher salaries. Similarly, transitioning into HVAC or building systems can be lucrative, especially for those pursuing their PE license. The variance in pay largely stems from industry dynamics, such as the premium placed on aerospace roles requiring security clearance or equity stakes offered in tech-adjacent firms, as seen with companies like Tesla. Understanding these local factors will better equip mechanical engineers to negotiate their compensation effectively.
More salary data for Albany, GA:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $104,500 for mechanical engineersin the Albany metropolitan area. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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