Mechanical Engineer Salary in Plattsburgh, NY: $92,583 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Plattsburgh, NY earns a median $92,583/year (≈ $44.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Plattsburgh's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $79,882 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For mechanical engineers in Plattsburgh, NY, the 2026 median annual salary is projected at $92,583, which is notably lower than the national median of $107,150. This figure reflects the local conditions derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, with salary ranges extending from $71,542 at the 10th percentile to $136,658 for those at the 90th percentile. Given the local emphasis on HVAC and building systems, obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license can significantly enhance compensatory prospects, allowing engineers to manage projects, lead teams, and tackle larger responsibilities. Such qualifications play a vital role in securing positions with higher pay scales.
About the Plattsburgh Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,542 | $34.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,574 | $37.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,583 | $44.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,235 | $55.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $136,658 | $65.70 |
Median Salary Position
13.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plattsburgh
In Plattsburgh, NY, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,116 (2026 est.). At $92,583, the local median is 13.59% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Plattsburgh: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Plattsburgh Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Plattsburgh median: $92,583/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Plattsburgh Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $100,198 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -13.59% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Plattsburgh, NY earn a median of $92,583 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.59% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 7.60% below the New York state average of $100,198.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Plattsburgh has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Plattsburgh, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $92,583 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $79,882 — a 13.72% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$76,408
2025 BLS Actual
$89,956
2026 Current Est.
$92,583
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Plattsburgh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,408 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,903 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,344 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,216 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,981 | Actual |
| 2024 | $123,098 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,956 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,583 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,286 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Plattsburgh metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $76,408 (2019) to $89,956 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,286 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,878 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plattsburgh 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) | $71,542 – $77,574 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,574 – $92,583 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,583 – $116,235 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,235 – $136,658 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Plattsburgh
The job market for mechanical engineers in Plattsburgh remains relatively modest, with only four professionals currently employed in the area. This limited pool highlights the competitive nature of the sector, especially when considering the cost of living index, which stands at 115.9, indicating that living costs exceed the national average. Employers in the region span various industries, but those in automotive and defense, such as Tesla and SpaceX, tend to offer the most attractive salaries. The variation in pay can largely be attributed to industry dynamics, where engineering roles in aerospace or cutting-edge technology typically offer higher compensation compared to traditional manufacturing. Additionally, those who attain security clearances for defense-related positions can experience further salary boosts. To maximize earning potential, engineers in Plattsburgh should consider pursuing specialized certifications and professional licenses while seeking opportunities in higher-paying sectors.
More salary data for Plattsburgh, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in Plattsburgh, NY in 2026?
Is Plattsburgh, NY a good place to work as a mechanical engineer?
Can mechanical engineers make $100K in Plattsburgh?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted mechanical engineer salary in Plattsburgh?
How much does a mechanical engineer make per hour in Plattsburgh?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New York
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 $89,956 for mechanical engineersin the Plattsburgh 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 Plattsburgh 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