Mechanical Engineer Salary in New Iberia, LA: $106,627 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in New Iberia, LA earns a median $106,627/year (≈ $51.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in New Iberia's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $118,081 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the mechanical engineer salary in New Iberia is projected to reach $106,627, slightly below the national median of $107,150. With local salaries ranging from $78,805 at the 10th percentile to $161,187 at the 90th percentile, the compensation for mechanical engineers reflects the region’s diverse industrial landscape. New Iberia's engineering market is notably influenced by the interplay between aerospace and automotive industries, including major players like SpaceX and Tesla. While mechanical engineers engaged in aerospace and defense typically experience higher pay, the growing automotive and HVAC sectors are also significant contributors to salary figures. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight the evolving dynamics of the job market in New Iberia, where specialized engineering skills can lead to lucrative opportunities.
About the New Iberia Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,805 | $37.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,179 | $41.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $106,627 | $51.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $135,240 | $65.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $161,187 | $77.50 |
Median Salary Position
0.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Iberia
In New Iberia, LA, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $82,382 (2026 est.). At $106,627, the local median is 0.49% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New Iberia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New Iberia Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
New Iberia median: $106,627/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Iberia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $112,595 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -0.49% less |
Mechanical Engineers in New Iberia, LA earn a median of $106,627 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.49% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 5.30% below the Louisiana state average of $112,595.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Iberia has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New Iberia, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $106,627 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $118,081 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,999
2025 BLS Actual
$103,602
2026 Current Est.
$106,627
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in New Iberia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,999 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,720 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,835 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,024 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,698 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,602 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,627 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,741 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Iberia metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $87,999 (2019) to $103,602 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $109,741 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,742 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Iberia 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) | $78,805 – $87,179 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,179 – $106,627 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $106,627 – $135,240 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $135,240 – $161,187 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in New Iberia
There are currently only seven mechanical engineers employed in New Iberia, a reflection of both a niche market and a competitive field. The local cost of living index stands at 90.3, suggesting that engineers in this area enjoy relatively strong purchasing power, with salaries stretching further than in higher-cost regions. Major employers in aerospace, like Boeing and Lockheed Martin, are known to offer the most competitive salaries, particularly for roles that require security clearance. Conversely, while automotive firms such as Tesla are reshaping pay scales, HVAC positions may offer stability and a clear pathway toward obtaining a PE license. The variance in salaries can be attributed to the industry demand, necessary credentials, and potential equity options in tech-oriented firms. Therefore, focusing on gaining licensure or pursuing opportunities with tech-adjacent employers can be strategic paths for mechanical engineers looking to maximize their pay in New Iberia, LA.
More salary data for New Iberia, LA:
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 $103,602 for mechanical engineersin the New Iberia 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
Salary data for New Iberia 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