Mechanical Engineer Salary in Augusta, GA: $132,499 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Augusta, GA earns a median $132,499/year (≈ $63.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Augusta's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.9), that paycheck buys what $144,173 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 26.7% above the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Augusta, Georgia presents a unique opportunity for mechanical engineers, with the 2026 median salary projected at $132,499. This translates to a range from $84,333 at the 10th percentile to $198,687 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a robust pay structure within the field. Such data stems from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, reflecting a positive local job market for mechanical engineers. Particularly noteworthy is the potential salary enhancement available through obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license, especially in HVAC and building systems sectors, which are in high demand across the region, adding significant value to a candidate's earning potential in Augusta’s market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,333 | $40.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,666 | $48.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,499 | $63.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $171,197 | $82.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $198,687 | $95.52 |
Median Salary Position
23.66% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Augusta
In Augusta, GA, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,354 (2026 est.). At $132,499, the local median is 23.66% above the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Augusta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Augusta Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Augusta median: $132,499/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Augusta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $104,577 | +26.70% more |
| National Average | $107,150 | +23.66% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Augusta has a cost of living 8.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Augusta, GA has a cost-of-living index of 91.903 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $132,499 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $144,173 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.81% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,450
2025 BLS Actual
$128,740
2026 Current Est.
$132,499
2019–2027 Growth
+21.3%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,450 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,930 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,310 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,920 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,740 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,499 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,368 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Augusta metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 14.5% from $112,450 (2019) to $128,740 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,368 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,918 (21.27%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $84,333 – $100,666 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,666 – $132,499 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,499 – $171,197 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $171,197 – $198,687 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Augusta
With approximately 980 mechanical engineers employed in Augusta, the local job market is competitive and diverse. The cost of living index stands at 91.903, indicating that while salaries are attractive, the lower cost of living enhances purchasing power, making Augusta an appealing place for mechanical engineers to reside. Major employers that tend to offer higher compensation include well-known automotive and aerospace firms like Tesla and Boeing, along with HVAC companies seeking qualified candidates with PE credentials. The disparity in salaries can often be attributed to the industry—defense and aerospace positions typically command higher pay due to security clearance requirements and equity compensation, particularly at tech-driven organizations. To maximize pay in Augusta, focusing on gaining a PE license and considering roles in industries with high compensation trends, like aerospace or automotive, will enhance long-term earning potential.
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $128,740 for mechanical engineersin the Augusta metropolitan area. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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