Mechanical Engineer Salary in Cheyenne, WY: $126,077 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Cheyenne, WY earns a median $126,077/year (≈ $60.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Cheyenne's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.5), that paycheck buys what $130,662 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 22.8% above the Wyoming state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the mechanical engineer salary in Cheyenne is projected to reach a median of $126,077, significantly higher than the national average of $107,150. This figure reflects the local job market's response to competitive forces from companies like SpaceX and Tesla, which offer equity and stock options that can substantially increase total compensation. The salary range for mechanical engineers in Cheyenne spans from $75,317 at the 10th percentile to $156,665 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the diverse opportunities available across various sectors. Data derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys indicates that the potential for lucrative positions exists in both aerospace and automotive markets, making Cheyenne a compelling location for mechanical engineers seeking growth.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,317 | $36.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,056 | $51.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,077 | $60.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $143,697 | $69.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $156,665 | $75.32 |
Median Salary Position
17.66% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cheyenne
In Cheyenne, WY, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $81,348 (2026 est.). At $126,077, the local median is 17.66% above the national median of $107,150.
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How Cheyenne Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Cheyenne median: $126,077/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cheyenne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Average | $102,669 | +22.80% more |
| National Average | $107,150 | +17.66% more |
Mechanical Engineers in Cheyenne, WY earn a median of $126,077 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.66% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 22.80% above the Wyoming state average of $102,669.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cheyenne has a cost of living 3.51% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cheyenne, WY has a cost-of-living index of 96.491 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $126,077 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $130,662 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.64% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,170
2025 BLS Actual
$122,500
2026 Current Est.
$126,077
2019–2027 Growth
+56.0%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Cheyenne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,170 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,086 | Actual |
| 2021 | $112,134 | Actual |
| 2022 | $113,322 | Actual |
| 2023 | $117,087 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,380 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,500 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,077 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,758 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cheyenne metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 47.3% from $83,170 (2019) to $122,500 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $129,758 by 2027 — a total increase of $46,588 (56.02%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cheyenne 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) | $75,317 – $108,056 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,056 – $126,077 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,077 – $143,697 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $143,697 – $156,665 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Cheyenne
With around 60 mechanical engineers currently employed in Cheyenne, the local job market remains relatively specialized yet stable. The cost of living index in the area is 96.491, indicating that living expenses are lower than the national average, which allows for greater purchasing power for residents. Industries such as aerospace, highlighted by employers like Boeing and Lockheed Martin, generally offer the highest compensation levels, especially for positions requiring security clearance. Additionally, sectors like automotive are seeing increasingly competitive pay, particularly from companies developing electric vehicles. Variations in salary stem from factors such as industry demand, PE licensure requirements, and the distinctions between individual contributor roles versus management tracks. To maximize pay, mechanical engineers should focus on obtaining advanced licensure and consider pursuing roles in more lucrative sectors, particularly in aerospace and technology-driven environments.
More salary data for Cheyenne, WY:
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 $122,500 for mechanical engineersin the Cheyenne 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, 3-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