Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Los Angeles, CA: $61.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Los Angeles, CA runs $61.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,518 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Los Angeles's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.6, 14% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,514 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Los Angeles, a mechanical engineer earns a median hourly rate of $61.31, significantly higher than the national median of $51.51. This competitive pay reflects the high demand for mechanical engineers, especially in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and HVAC. Part-time positions, for example, working three days a week, could yield about $47,223 annually at this hourly rate, which allows flexibility in work-life balance. For those opting for per-diem roles, typical work environments range from high-tech engineering offices to hands-on manufacturing facilities, where professionals are equipped with advanced tools like CAD software. The hourly wage spans a considerable spectrum, from entry-level positions starting around $38.12 to top earners making up to $85.77, illustrating the breadth of opportunities available within this field in CA.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.12 | $304.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.51 | $380.06 |
| Median (P50) | $61.31 | $490.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.66 | $581.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.77 | $686.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Los Angeles
Based on $61.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.31/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Los Angeles, CA can expect to earn approximately $127,524 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,571. With a cost-of-living index of 113.57 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Los Angeles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Los Angeles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,452.38 | $10,627 | $127,524 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,471.43 | $6,376 | $76,514 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $980.95 | $4,251 | $51,009 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Los Angeles) | $61.31 |
| Civil Engineer (National Avg) | $47.06 |
| Electrical Engineer (National Avg) | $54.18 |
| Industrial Engineer (National Avg) | $47.50 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
Mechanical Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn a median of $127,518 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.01% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 5.60% above the California state average of $120,756.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.31/hr = $76,514/year (purchasing power: $67,374).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,524/year (purchasing power: $112,290).
CoL index: 113.566 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Los Angeles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Los Angeles grew 23.8% from $48.12/hr (2019) to $59.57/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.10/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem mechanical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Los Angeles 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.
Working as an Hourly Mechanical Engineer in Los Angeles
Beyond the standard hourly earnings, part-time mechanical engineers often have different financial dynamics compared to their full-time counterparts. A professional working 24 hours per week at an hourly rate can bring in significant annual income without the commitment of full-time employment, which commonly leads to paid overtime in high-demand situations. Specialized roles, particularly within aerospace or HVAC sectors, frequently command higher per-diem rates; for example, contract work can bill between $90-$160 per hour, and more experienced engineers in security-sensitive positions may see rates soar to $120-$220. Notably, some choose lower hourly rates for the benefits associated with full-time employment, while others prioritize flexibility and higher rates without benefits. In negotiating rates, it’s crucial for mechanical engineers in Los Angeles to understand the market landscape across varying employers, from Tesla and Boeing to industrial machinery firms, allowing for effective career strategies tailored to personal and professional goals.
More salary data for Los Angeles, CA:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for mechanical engineers in Los Angeles. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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