Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Augusta, GA: $63.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Augusta, GA runs $63.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,499 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Augusta's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.9, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,507 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Augusta, Georgia, mechanical engineers earn a median hourly rate of $63.71, significantly higher than the national median hourly pay of $51.51. This difference highlights the region's competitive market for engineering talent, particularly in sectors like aerospace and automotive, where engineers often work with advanced software such as SolidWorks and CATIA. Those in full-time positions benefit from steady income, while part-time engineers, working three days a week, can expect earnings that reflect the local rate and can lead to substantial annual income depending on the number of hours worked. The hourly pay ranges from $40.55 for entry-level positions up to $95.52 for experienced professionals, as projected for 2026 based on 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.55 | $324.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.40 | $387.23 |
| Median (P50) | $63.71 | $509.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.31 | $658.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.52 | $764.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Augusta
Based on $63.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.71/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Augusta, GA can expect to earn approximately $132,512 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,449. With a cost-of-living index of 91.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Augusta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Augusta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,548.30 | $11,043 | $132,512 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,528.98 | $6,626 | $79,507 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,019.32 | $4,417 | $53,005 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Augusta) | $63.71 |
| 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 Augusta, GA earn a median of $132,499 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.66% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 26.70% above the Georgia state average of $104,577.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.71/hr = $79,507/year (purchasing power: $86,512).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,512/year (purchasing power: $144,186).
CoL index: 91.903 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Augusta grew 14.5% from $54.06/hr (2019) to $61.90/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.57/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 Augusta 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 Augusta
Considering part-time opportunities, a mechanical engineer working 24 hours a week could earn roughly $49,000 annually, which can vary based on experience and specialization. Per diem and contract work, common in Augusta, typically commands higher hourly rates. These roles can bill anywhere from $90 to $220 per hour depending on the expertise and sector, such as HVAC systems or aerospace projects. Employers, including Tesla and Lockheed Martin, often dictate pay rates based on the complexity and security requirements of the position. Some engineers might sacrifice a higher hourly rate for stable employment and benefits. Negotiating effectively requires understanding the local market conditions and recognizing the value of the skills that high-demand employers are seeking.
More salary data for Augusta, GA:
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 Augusta. 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