Mechanical Engineer Salary in Arlington, TX: $106,307 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Arlington, TX earns a median $106,307/year (≈ $51.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Arlington's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $110,736 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Arlington, Texas, can expect to see a median annual salary of $106,307, slightly below the national median of $107,150. With a salary range spanning from $70,146 at the 10th percentile to $164,776 at the 90th percentile, this city offers diverse opportunities in various engineering sectors. A key driver in Arlington's salary landscape is the presence of businesses in the aerospace sector, such as SpaceX and Boeing, juxtaposed with automotive giants like Tesla and traditional players from Detroit. This unique blend not only influences the mechanical engineer salary in Arlington but also shapes the overall job market dynamics, as demand in aerospace often leads to higher compensation packages as compared to other industries.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,146 | $33.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,669 | $39.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $106,307 | $51.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $136,073 | $65.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $164,776 | $79.22 |
Median Salary Position
0.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arlington
In Arlington, TX, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $94,630 (2026 est.). At $106,307, the local median is 0.79% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arlington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Arlington Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Arlington median: $106,307/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $103,111 | +3.10% more |
| National Average | $107,150 | -0.79% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Arlington, TX earn a median of $106,307 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.79% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 3.10% above the Texas state average of $103,111.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arlington has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Arlington, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $106,307 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $110,736 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,734
2025 BLS Actual
$103,291
2026 Current Est.
$106,307
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,734 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,451 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,550 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,552 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,727 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,665 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,291 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,307 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,411 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arlington metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $87,734 (2019) to $103,291 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $109,411 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,677 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington 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) | $70,146 – $81,669 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,669 – $106,307 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $106,307 – $136,073 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $136,073 – $164,776 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Arlington
A total of 83 mechanical engineers are currently employed in Arlington, TX, reflecting a niche job market that supports steady growth, estimated at 2.92% annually over the next five years. With a cost-of-living index of 96, Arlington offers an affordable lifestyle compared to many other regions, enhancing the take-home purchasing power for engineers. Employers offering the most competitive pay include aerospace firms, which often provide salaries complemented by equity options, as seen with SpaceX, while automotive companies like Tesla also contribute to higher earnings. The disparity in salaries largely results from industry demands, specialization, and any additional qualifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license for roles in HVAC and building systems. To maximize pay in Arlington, engineers should focus on aligning with high-paying sectors, continuously enhancing their skill sets, and considering equity compensation where available.
More salary data for Arlington, TX:
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 $103,291 for mechanical engineersin the Arlington 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 Arlington 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