Mechanical Engineer Salary in Pocatello, ID: $96,270 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Pocatello, ID earns a median $96,270/year (≈ $46.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Pocatello's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.3), that paycheck buys what $101,018 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Idaho state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Pocatello, Idaho, can expect a median annual salary of $96,270, which reflects a market that is still catching up with national figures, as the average national salary stands at $107,150. The salary for this role in Pocatello ranges from $67,056 at the 10th percentile to $147,583 at the 90th percentile. The data, based on 2025 BLS estimates projected to 2026, indicates a steady employment landscape, driven by demand for skilled engineers, especially those pursuing PE licensure. This premium not only enhances earning potential but also opens doors to specialized roles in HVAC and building systems, where engineers can leverage their credentials effectively in a growing market.
About the Pocatello Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,056 | $32.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,053 | $36.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,270 | $46.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $120,402 | $57.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $147,583 | $70.95 |
Median Salary Position
10.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pocatello
In Pocatello, ID, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $80,527 (2026 est.). At $96,270, the local median is 10.15% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pocatello: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pocatello Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Pocatello median: $96,270/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pocatello Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $95,887 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $107,150 | -10.15% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Pocatello, ID earn a median of $96,270 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.15% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 0.40% above the Idaho state average of $95,887.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pocatello has a cost of living 4.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pocatello, ID has a cost-of-living index of 95.3 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $96,270 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $101,018 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$79,451
2025 BLS Actual
$93,539
2026 Current Est.
$96,270
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Pocatello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,451 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,005 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,120 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,531 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,640 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,004 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,539 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,270 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,081 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pocatello metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $79,451 (2019) to $93,539 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,081 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,630 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pocatello 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) | $67,056 – $76,053 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,053 – $96,270 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,270 – $120,402 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $120,402 – $147,583 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Pocatello
Meanwhile, Pocatello's job market currently employs around 12 mechanical engineers, fostering a tight-knit professional community. With a cost-of-living index of 95.3, engineers may find their salaries stretch further compared to urban counterparts, enhancing their purchasing power. Employers within the aerospace and defense sectors, notably with companies like SpaceX and Boeing, tend to offer some of the highest pay, while automotive giants like Tesla and Rivian also present lucrative opportunities, albeit with rising competition. The wide salary range reflects various factors, including industry specifics, the value of securing a PE license, and potential security clearance for defense positions. Engineers aiming to optimize their income should consider specializing in high-demand fields, actively pursuing professional development opportunities, and strategically negotiating their offers to capitalize on the unique dynamics of Pocatello's job market.
More salary data for Pocatello, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $93,539 for mechanical engineersin the Pocatello 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
Salary data for Pocatello 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