Mechanical Engineer Salary in Moorhead, MN: $96,112 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Moorhead, MN earns a median $96,112/year (≈ $46.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Moorhead's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $97,576 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a mechanical engineer in Moorhead, Minnesota, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $96,112. Local salaries range from $73,392 at the 10th percentile to $148,974 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available. This compensation structure places mechanical engineer pay in Moorhead approximately 10.30% below the national median of $107,150. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price levels, highlight an evolving market influenced by significant industries in the area, including aerospace and automotive sectors. As companies like SpaceX and Tesla reshape hiring practices with competitive salaries and equity components, Moorhead's mechanical engineers are poised to benefit, albeit with some local adjustments in pay dynamics.
About the Moorhead Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,392 | $35.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,325 | $38.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,112 | $46.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $118,060 | $56.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $148,974 | $71.62 |
Median Salary Position
10.3% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moorhead
In Moorhead, MN, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $75,582 (2026 est.). At $96,112, the local median is 10.3% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Moorhead: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Moorhead Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Moorhead median: $96,112/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moorhead Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $99,908 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -10.30% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Moorhead, MN earn a median of $96,112 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.30% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 3.80% below the Minnesota state average of $99,908.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moorhead 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.
Moorhead, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $96,112 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,576 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$79,320
2025 BLS Actual
$93,385
2026 Current Est.
$96,112
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Moorhead (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,872 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,483 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,389 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,259 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,626 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,385 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,112 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,918 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moorhead metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $79,320 (2019) to $93,385 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,918 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,598 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moorhead 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) | $73,392 – $80,325 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,325 – $96,112 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,112 – $118,060 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $118,060 – $148,974 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Moorhead
Within the Moorhead job market, there are currently 11 mechanical engineers employed, indicating a small but stable workforce. The area's cost of living index sits at 98.5, which is slightly below the national average, allowing for a potentially enhanced purchasing power for residents. High salaries in Moorhead stem from industries that value specialized skills, particularly in aerospace and defense sectors, which often pay more due to the demand for security clearances and specialized licensure. Meanwhile, roles in automotive engineering, especially with companies like Tesla, provide competitive salaries as well. The disparity between low and high pay can largely be attributed to industry specialization, the value of obtaining a PE license, and the advantages of equity at technology-focused firms. For mechanical engineers in Moorhead, focusing on acquiring licensure, developing industry-specific skills, and seeking positions with larger, established companies can maximize earning potential in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Moorhead, 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 $93,385 for mechanical engineersin the Moorhead 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 Moorhead 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