Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Lawrence, KS: $47.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Lawrence, KS runs $47.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,764 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,660 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Mechanical engineers in Lawrence, KS, earn a median hourly pay of $47.00, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $51.51. This salary structure reflects the competitive nature of the industry, especially given the diverse settings in which mechanical engineers operate, including tech, aerospace, automotive engineering offices, and specialized manufacturing facilities. For those considering part-time opportunities, such as three-day work weeks, the compensation can yield a substantial income while offering flexibility, particularly for individuals working with CAD systems like SolidWorks or NX. Entry-level mechanical engineers typically start at around $37.28 per hour, whereas top earners can reach up to $73.40, showcasing a significant wage space based on experience and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.28 | $298.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.84 | $318.72 |
| Median (P50) | $47.00 | $376.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.86 | $470.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.40 | $587.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $47.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.00/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, KS can expect to earn approximately $97,767 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,404. With a cost-of-living index of 90.24 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,880.14 | $8,147 | $97,767 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,128.09 | $4,888 | $58,660 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $752.06 | $3,259 | $39,107 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Lawrence) | $47.00 |
| 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 Lawrence, KS earn a median of $97,764 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.76% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 0.40% above the Kansas state average of $97,374.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.00/hr = $58,660/year (purchasing power: $65,003).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,767/year (purchasing power: $108,338).
CoL index: 90.243 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Lawrence grew 30.3% from $35.05/hr (2019) to $45.67/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.38/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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
For mechanical engineers wishing to pursue part-time work, a typical 24-hour work week translates to an annual income considerably lower than that of full-time positions, though it affords a desirable work-life balance. The per diem mechanical engineer pay in Lawrence can vary widely depending on specialization and employer type; contract work often charges between $90 and $160 per hour, with specialized roles, such as HVAC PEs, potentially earning $100 to $180 per hour. In the aerospace sector, experienced engineers at places like SpaceX or Boeing may command rates as high as $120 to $220 per hour due to security clearance requirements. While some engineers might opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits and stability, others may prefer the high-risk, high-reward nature of contract positions. Negotiation strategies are critical in this competitive market, particularly for hourly workers, and understanding the nuances of different employer expectations across sectors—such as automotive giants like Rivian and Tesla or engineering consulting firms—can lead to more favorable employment offers in Lawrence.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
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 Lawrence. 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