Mechanical Engineer Salary in Youngstown, OH: $91,990 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Youngstown, OH earns a median $91,990/year (≈ $44.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Youngstown's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 87.4), that paycheck buys what $105,259 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.4% below the Ohio state average.
Official BLS data · View source

In Youngstown, Ohio, the mechanical engineer salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $91,990 in 2026, reflecting the competitive nature of the local market influenced by various industries. Salaries for mechanical engineers can vary significantly, ranging from $63,800 at the 10th percentile to $121,322 at the 90th percentile. This data, derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, highlights the dual influences of aerospace advancements, particularly from companies like SpaceX and Boeing, and the growing automotive scene led by Tesla and Rivian. The strong interplay between these sectors has created a dynamic job market in Youngstown, making it a compelling location for both new graduates and experienced professionals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,800 | $30.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,955 | $36.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,990 | $44.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,560 | $49.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,322 | $58.32 |
Median Salary Position
14.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Youngstown
In Youngstown, OH, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,522 (2026 est.). At $91,990, the local median is 14.15% below the national median of $107,150.
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At 40 hours/week in Youngstown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Youngstown Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Youngstown median: $91,990/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Youngstown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $100,426 | -8.40% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -14.15% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Youngstown, OH earn a median of $91,990 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.15% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 8.40% below the Ohio state average of $100,426.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Youngstown has a cost of living 12.61% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Youngstown, OH has a cost-of-living index of 87.394 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $91,990 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $105,259 in an average-cost city — an effective 14.42% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,340
2025 BLS Actual
$89,380
2026 Current Est.
$91,990
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Youngstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,180 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,430 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,380 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,990 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,676 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Youngstown metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 27.1% from $70,340 (2019) to $89,380 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,676 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,336 (34.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Youngstown 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) | $63,800 – $75,955 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,955 – $91,990 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,990 – $102,560 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,560 – $121,322 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Youngstown
The job market in Youngstown employs approximately 240 mechanical engineers, providing a variety of opportunities across different sectors. With a cost-of-living index of 87.394, engineers may find their salary stretches further than in many other locations, enhancing their purchasing power. Local companies like GM and Ford in the automotive sector, along with Boeing in aerospace and defense, tend to offer some of the highest pay, especially for those with specialized skills or security clearances. The disparity in salaries can be driven by factors such as industry demand, the necessity of a PE license for certain engineering roles, and the potential for higher compensation through management positions or equity in tech-adjacent firms like Tesla. For those pursuing careers in Youngstown, focusing on obtaining advanced certifications and gaining experience in in-demand sectors will be crucial for maximizing their earning potential.
More salary data for Youngstown, OH:
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 $89,380 for mechanical engineersin the Youngstown 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