Mechanical Engineer Salary in Bloomington, IN: $100,687 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Bloomington, IN earns a median $100,687/year (≈ $48.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Bloomington's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.1), that paycheck buys what $105,893 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the Indiana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineer salaries in Bloomington, IN, are projected to reach a median of $100,687, which reflects a slight decrease of 6.03% compared to the national median of $107,150. The salary range for mechanical engineers in this region spans from $68,401 at the 10th percentile to $154,174 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential for those in this profession. This data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, highlights the financial rewards available, especially for engineers who obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license, particularly in HVAC and building systems. For those aspiring to maximize both their salary and job prospects, Bloomington's engineering market offers a mix of opportunities that can be quite lucrative, especially for skilled individuals willing to pursue advanced credentials.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,401 | $32.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,255 | $39.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,687 | $48.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $127,631 | $61.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $154,174 | $74.12 |
Median Salary Position
6.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bloomington
In Bloomington, IN, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $85,773 (2026 est.). At $100,687, the local median is 6.03% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bloomington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bloomington Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Bloomington median: $100,687/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bloomington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $99,395 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $107,150 | -6.03% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Bloomington, IN earn a median of $100,687 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.03% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 1.30% above the Indiana state average of $99,395.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bloomington has a cost of living 4.92% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bloomington, IN has a cost-of-living index of 95.084 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $100,687 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $105,893 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,560
2025 BLS Actual
$97,830
2026 Current Est.
$100,687
2019–2027 Growth
+14.4%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,560 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,810 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,900 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,687 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,627 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bloomington metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 8.0% from $90,560 (2019) to $97,830 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,627 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,067 (14.43%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington 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) | $68,401 – $81,255 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,255 – $100,687 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,687 – $127,631 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $127,631 – $154,174 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Bloomington
The job market for mechanical engineers in Bloomington is supported by approximately 90 professionals currently employed in the field, indicative of a steady demand for engineering expertise. With a cost of living index at 95.084, the financial landscape allows for a relatively comfortable lifestyle, enhancing the purchasing power of salaries in this area. Employers in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and HVAC often yield the highest compensation packages, with firms like Tesla and Boeing leading the charge. The variation in pay is driven by factors including industry focus, security clearance requirements for defense roles, and the attainment of a PE license, especially relevant in HVAC. For engineers in Bloomington, pursuing opportunities in high-demand fields and obtaining specialized credentials are effective strategies to enhance salary potential and career growth, making it essential for aspiring professionals to align their skills with industry needs.
More salary data for Bloomington, IN:
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 $97,830 for mechanical engineersin the Bloomington 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, 7-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