Mechanical Engineer Salary in Bloomington, MN: $102,289 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Bloomington, MN earns a median $102,289/year (≈ $49.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Bloomington's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $103,847 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% above the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Mechanical engineers in Bloomington, MN, can expect a median annual salary of $102,289 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $107,150. This competitive pay reflects a diverse industrial landscape that includes influential players in aerospace, automotive, and HVAC sectors. Salary ranges for local mechanical engineers span from $74,156 at the 10th percentile to $158,548 at the 90th percentile, offering a significant growth opportunity for professionals at varying stages of their careers. Given that local estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and incorporate regional price adjustments, Bloomington’s salary offerings suggest a robust job market, underpinned by strong demand for skilled engineers in fields such as space exploration, transportation, and energy efficiency.
About the Bloomington Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,156 | $35.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,827 | $38.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,289 | $49.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $130,227 | $62.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $158,548 | $76.22 |
Median Salary Position
4.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bloomington
In Bloomington, MN, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $84,392 (2026 est.). At $102,289, the local median is 4.54% 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: $102,289/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bloomington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $99,892 | +2.40% more |
| National Average | $107,150 | -4.54% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Bloomington, MN earn a median of $102,289 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.54% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 2.40% above the Minnesota state average of $99,892.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bloomington has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bloomington, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $102,289 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $103,847 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,418
2025 BLS Actual
$99,387
2026 Current Est.
$102,289
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
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 | $84,418 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,070 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,977 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,941 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,996 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,703 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,387 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,289 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,276 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bloomington metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $84,418 (2019) to $99,387 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,276 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,858 (24.71%) 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) | $74,156 – $80,827 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,827 – $102,289 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,289 – $130,227 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $130,227 – $158,548 |
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 characterized by a localized workforce, with approximately 18 professionals currently employed in this field. The cost of living is relatively manageable, with a cost-of-living index of 98.5, meaning take-home pay can stretch further than it might in other metropolitan areas. The highest-paying opportunities are often found within the aerospace and defense sectors, particularly with companies like SpaceX and Boeing, which tend to offer compensation packages that include stock options, especially for roles requiring security clearance. In contrast, automotive firms like Tesla provide competitive salaries but may not match the equity potential seen in aerospace roles. To maximize earnings, engineers should consider pursuing PE licensure, which is particularly advantageous in HVAC and building systems roles, and remain open to opportunities in high-growth sectors. With a projected growth rate of 2.92%, professionals in this city could enhance their financial prospects by strategically aligning their skills with the demands of evolving industries.
More salary data for Bloomington, MN:
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 $99,387 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
Salary data for Bloomington 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