Mechanical Engineer Salary in Coon Rapids, MN: $96,779 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Coon Rapids, MN earns a median $96,779/year (≈ $46.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Coon Rapids's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $98,253 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For mechanical engineers in Coon Rapids, MN, the projected median annual salary for 2026 stands at $96,779. This figure is slightly below the national median of $107,150, reflecting local market dynamics and a cost of living index of 98.5, indicating affordability compared to national averages. Salaries range from approximately $69,628 at the lower decile to about $150,007 for those at the upper decile, suggesting a diverse job market. Engineers equipped with a PE license, particularly in HVAC and building systems, may command higher salaries due to specialized skills in high-demand areas. The local compensation environment showcases how certain qualifications and industry focus can significantly influence earnings, shedding light on the opportunities available in Coon Rapids.
About the Coon Rapids Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,628 | $33.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,117 | $37.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,779 | $46.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,877 | $59.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $150,007 | $72.12 |
Median Salary Position
9.68% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Coon Rapids
In Coon Rapids, MN, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $80,379 (2026 est.). At $96,779, the local median is 9.68% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Coon Rapids: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Coon Rapids Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Coon Rapids median: $96,779/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Coon Rapids Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $99,978 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -9.68% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Coon Rapids, MN earn a median of $96,779 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.68% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 3.20% below the Minnesota state average of $99,978.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Coon Rapids 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.
Coon Rapids, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $96,779 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $98,253 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$79,871
2025 BLS Actual
$94,033
2026 Current Est.
$96,779
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Coon Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,871 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,433 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,076 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,988 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,878 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,297 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,033 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,779 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,605 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Coon Rapids metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $79,871 (2019) to $94,033 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,605 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,734 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Coon Rapids 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) | $69,628 – $78,117 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,117 – $96,779 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,779 – $123,877 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,877 – $150,007 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Coon Rapids
Amidst a workforce of just 10 mechanical engineers currently employed in the Coon Rapids area, the competitive landscape hints at both the strengths and challenges of the local job market. While the cost of living is relatively low, providing increased purchasing power, employers in sectors like aerospace (with firms such as SpaceX and Blue Origin) and automotive (including Tesla and Rivian) may offer the most lucrative pay within the region. These companies often seek candidates who possess strategic qualifications—such as security clearances for defense roles or advanced degrees, with growth potential transitioning to management tracks often yielding greater rewards. To maximize pay in Coon Rapids, aspiring mechanical engineers should consider obtaining a PE license and aim for positions in the rapidly growing aerospace or tech sectors, which not only offer competitive salaries but also equity opportunities that can significantly increase total compensation in the long term.
More salary data for Coon Rapids, 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 $94,033 for mechanical engineersin the Coon Rapids 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 Coon Rapids 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