Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Chattanooga, TN: $52.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Chattanooga, TN runs $52.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,774 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Chattanooga's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $57.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,866 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chattanooga, the mechanical engineer hourly pay is projected to be $52.78 in 2026, which is slightly above the national median of $51.51 per hour. This rate indicates a competitive advantage for engineers in the region, especially given the demand in sectors like aerospace, automotive, and HVAC. For part-time workers committing to a three-day work week, this can translate to approximately $4,230 monthly, allowing professionals to maintain a balance between work and personal commitments. The hourly pay ranges from $37.55 for entry-level positions to around $77.70 for those at the top end of the pay scale, reflecting varying levels of experience and specialization. Typical work environments include engineering offices equipped with advanced CAD workstations, manufacturing floors, and locations involved in aerospace testing and HVAC site assessments. This information is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.55 | $300.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.25 | $345.98 |
| Median (P50) | $52.78 | $422.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.53 | $516.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.70 | $621.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chattanooga
Based on $52.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.78/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chattanooga, TN can expect to earn approximately $109,777 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,333. With a cost-of-living index of 91.46 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chattanooga.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chattanooga
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,111.10 | $9,148 | $109,777 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,266.66 | $5,489 | $65,866 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $844.44 | $3,659 | $43,911 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Chattanooga) | $52.78 |
| 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 Chattanooga, TN earn a median of $109,774 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.45% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 9.90% above the Tennessee state average of $99,886.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.78/hr = $65,866/year (purchasing power: $72,013).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,777/year (purchasing power: $120,022).
CoL index: 91.464 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+13.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Chattanooga grew 7.5% from $47.72/hr (2019) to $51.28/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.32/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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
Considering various employment structures, a part-time mechanical engineer working 24 hours a week could earn around $55,680 annually, a significant sum but still lower than what full-time positions might offer. For those engaged in per-diem or contract work, rates can vary dramatically, with typical billing between $90 and $160 per hour. Specialized roles in HVAC can command $100-$180, while aerospace engineers may find rates from $120 to $220 when holding security clearances. In Chattanooga, hourly rates also differ across sectors—automotive giants like Tesla and Rivian push compensation upwards, while traditional firms might offer more stability with benefits. This creates a trade-off scenario where engineers might choose lower hourly rates with robust health insurance over freelance opportunities with no benefits. Negotiation strategies can focus on emphasizing one's qualifications and industry experience, especially in a market influenced by emerging technologies and innovative companies like SpaceX.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
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 Chattanooga. 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