Elizabethtown vs Owensboro: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Elizabethtown, KY and Owensboro, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elizabethtown, KY | Owensboro, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,586▲ | $100,666 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.76▲ | $48.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,696▲ | $67,804 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,501▲ | $79,454 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,214▲ | $119,809 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,214 | $139,518▲ |
| Total Employed | 450▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Elizabethtown, KY offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Owensboro.
The salary gap between Elizabethtown and Owensboro is $4,920 (4.89%). Elizabethtown's median is -1.46% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elizabethtown spans $41,518,Owensboro spans $71,714. Owensboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Elizabethtown ($116,577 effective) pays 2.62% more than Owensboro ($113,606 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elizabethtown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,586/year)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,577)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Owensboro if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,518)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Elizabethtown grew 46.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.8% growth in Owensboro over the same period.
Elizabethtown, KY
$69,910 (2019) → $102,590 (2025)
Owensboro, KY
$72,540 (2019) → $97,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elizabethtown, KY
Owensboro, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Elizabethtown or Owensboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elizabethtown and Owensboro?
Should I relocate from Elizabethtown to Owensboro as a mechanical engineer?
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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