Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Franklin, NJ: $60.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Franklin, NJ runs $60.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,140 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Franklin's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,088 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Franklin, NJ, the mechanical engineer hourly pay is projected to reach $60.17 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $51.51. This premium reflects the region's thriving technology, aerospace, and automotive sectors, which often require mechanical engineers skilled in CAD programs such as SolidWorks and CATIA. The hourly rate offers flexible earning potential, particularly for part-time (three days a week) and per-diem workers who might manage 24-hour work weeks. In Franklin, hourly rates range from approximately $42.89 for entry-level positions to around $93.26 for top earners, allowing engineers to tailor their career paths according to their desired work-life balance and professional aspirations.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42.89 | $343.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.26 | $386.07 |
| Median (P50) | $60.17 | $481.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.07 | $608.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.26 | $746.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Franklin
Based on $60.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.17/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Franklin, NJ can expect to earn approximately $125,147 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,200. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Franklin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Franklin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,406.68 | $10,429 | $125,147 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,444.01 | $6,257 | $75,088 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $962.67 | $4,172 | $50,059 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Franklin) | $60.17 |
| 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 Franklin, NJ earn a median of $125,140 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.79% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 1.40% above the New Jersey state average of $123,413.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.17/hr = $75,088/year (purchasing power: $65,181).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,147/year (purchasing power: $108,635).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$49.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Franklin grew 17.7% from $49.66/hr (2019) to $58.46/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.92/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 Franklin 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 Franklin
Considering part-time roles, a mechanical engineer working three days a week at that hourly rate would earn about $75,000 annually, showcasing the sector's strong financial viability. For those opting for per-diem contracts, billing rates can range considerably from $90 to $160 per hour, and in specialized niches such as aerospace or HVAC projects, experienced professionals can command even higher rates. In Franklin, employers across various industries—ranging from automotive giants like Tesla and Rivian to defense contractors like Boeing and Lockheed Martin—foster competition, which can influence hourly wages. Many mechanical engineers weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates lacking benefits and more stable positions that provide health insurance and retirement plans. When negotiating hourly pay, engineers should consider local market dynamics and be prepared to advocate for their worth, reflecting industry benchmarks and personal expertise to maximize their earnings.
More salary data for Franklin, NJ:
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 Franklin. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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