Mechanical Engineer Salary in Oneonta, NY: $93,547 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Oneonta, NY earns a median $93,547/year (≈ $44.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Oneonta's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $80,714 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.7% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Oneonta, NY, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $93,547. This figure highlights the local market's response to broader compensation trends influenced by major aerospace and automotive companies, where equity compensation models at firms like SpaceX and Tesla are reshaping overall earning potential. The salary range for mechanical engineers in Oneonta varies significantly, with lower-end earners making around $73,510 and top-tier professionals reaching $139,883. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for regional pricing, indicate a competitive but nuanced job market in Oneonta, where engineers can benefit from the interplay of local demand and national compensation standards.
About the Oneonta Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,510 | $35.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,567 | $38.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,547 | $44.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,574 | $56.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $139,883 | $67.25 |
Median Salary Position
12.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oneonta
In Oneonta, NY, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,373 (2026 est.). At $93,547, the local median is 12.7% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oneonta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oneonta Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Oneonta median: $93,547/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oneonta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $100,265 | -6.70% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -12.70% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Oneonta, NY earn a median of $93,547 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.70% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 6.70% below the New York state average of $100,265.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oneonta has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oneonta, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $93,547 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $80,714 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$77,204
2025 BLS Actual
$90,893
2026 Current Est.
$93,547
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Oneonta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,204 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,714 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,201 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,083 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,877 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,381 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,893 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,547 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,279 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oneonta metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $77,204 (2019) to $90,893 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $96,279 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,075 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oneonta 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) | $73,510 – $79,567 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,567 – $93,547 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,547 – $116,574 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,574 – $139,883 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Oneonta
In Oneonta, the job market appears constrained with only five mechanical engineers actively employed in the area, which limits competition for positions but also reflects a relatively small demand pool. The local cost of living index stands at 115.9, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, purchasing power may be impacted by higher-than-average living expenses compared to the national baseline. Employers in sectors such as aerospace and defense, including firms like SpaceX and Blue Origin, tend to offer higher pay scales, particularly for positions requiring specific skill sets and security clearances. The variation between lower and higher pay often hinges on industry demands, certification such as PE licensure, and the structure of compensation packages, especially in tech-adjacent roles that offer equity in addition to base salary. For aspiring mechanical engineers in Oneonta, pursuing advanced credentials and seeking opportunities with leading employers in sectors like automotive or aerospace can be effective strategies for maximizing salary potential.
More salary data for Oneonta, NY:
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 $90,893 for mechanical engineersin the Oneonta 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 Oneonta 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