Austin vs Port Arthur: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Austin, TX and Port Arthur, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Port Arthur, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,805 | $128,735▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.79 | $61.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,068 | $91,532▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $94,820 | $103,096▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $149,327 | $162,401▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,268 | $199,540▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,790▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Port Arthur, TX offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and Port Arthur is $18,930 (17.24%). Port Arthur's median is +20.14% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $108,200,Port Arthur spans $108,008. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Port Arthur ($134,099 effective) pays 19.76% more than Austin ($111,971 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,790 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Port Arthur if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,735/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($199,540)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,099)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Austin grew 20.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Port Arthur over the same period.
Austin, TX
$88,940 (2019) → $106,690 (2025)
Port Arthur, TX
$104,996 (2024) → $125,083 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Port Arthur, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Austin or Port Arthur?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Port Arthur?
Should I relocate from Austin to Port Arthur as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Austin vs Port Arthur?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov