Mechanical Engineer Salary in Laramie, WY: $101,453 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Laramie, WY earns a median $101,453/year (≈ $48.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Laramie's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.8), that paycheck buys what $105,901 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Wyoming state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laramie, WY, the mechanical engineer salary averages about $101,453 annually based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026. This figure indicates a competitive position in the local job market, especially given its salary range, which stretches from $73,268 to $151,854 for the top earners. Although the cost of living index in Laramie stands at 95.8—below the national average—pursuing a Professional Engineer (PE) license can significantly enhance earning potential, particularly in HVAC and building systems roles. With nine mechanical engineers currently employed in the region, local dynamics and industries like aerospace and defense, as well as automotive, will influence future hiring and salary trends.
About the Laramie Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,268 | $35.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,000 | $39.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $101,453 | $48.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $125,571 | $60.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $151,854 | $73.01 |
Median Salary Position
5.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laramie
In Laramie, WY, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,586 (2026 est.). At $101,453, the local median is 5.32% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laramie: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laramie Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Laramie median: $101,453/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laramie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Average | $102,686 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -5.32% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Laramie, WY earn a median of $101,453 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.32% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 1.20% below the Wyoming state average of $102,686.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laramie has a cost of living 4.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laramie, WY has a cost-of-living index of 95.8 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $101,453 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $105,901 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.38% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,729
2025 BLS Actual
$98,575
2026 Current Est.
$101,453
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Laramie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,729 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,367 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,233 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,190 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,220 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,109 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,575 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,453 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,416 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laramie metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $83,729 (2019) to $98,575 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,416 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,687 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laramie 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) | $73,268 – $82,000 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,000 – $101,453 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $101,453 – $125,571 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $125,571 – $151,854 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Laramie
Analyzing the job market, Laramie's mechanical engineers may see benefits from the local economy's interaction with various industries. High-value sectors such as aerospace, represented by major players like SpaceX and Blue Origin, typically offer higher compensation packages, which often include equity as a draw. In contrast, mechanical engineers in automotive and consumer product companies might face more variable pay, though firms like Tesla and Apple are known for premium salaries compared to traditional manufacturers. The relatively low cost of living enhances purchasing power, allowing engineers to stretch their salaries further in Laramie. Mechanical engineers seeking to maximize their pay should consider additional qualifications like obtaining a PE license for HVAC positions or exploring opportunities with employers who provide relocation packages and equity potential in high-demand sectors, allowing for an upward trajectory in their careers.
More salary data for Laramie, 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 $98,575 for mechanical engineersin the Laramie 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 Laramie 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