Mechanical Engineer Salary in Pierre, SD: $93,420 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Pierre, SD earns a median $93,420/year (≈ $44.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Pierre's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $100,668 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, the projected median annual mechanical engineer salary is $93,420 for the year 2026, which positions it notably below the national median of $107,150. Mechanical engineers in this region can expect to see salaries ranging from $66,935 at the 10th percentile to as high as $140,874 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, reflect the local job market's dynamics and the growing emphasis on obtaining Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, particularly in fields such as HVAC and building systems. Given the upward trends in engineering demands, achieving a PE license serves not only as a pathway to higher salaries but also enhances job security and advancement potential in Pierre's competitive landscape.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($85,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,935 | $32.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,236 | $38.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,420 | $44.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $117,148 | $56.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $140,874 | $67.73 |
Median Salary Position
12.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
In Pierre, SD, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $73,939 (2026 est.). At $93,420, the local median is 12.81% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pierre: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pierre Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Pierre median: $93,420/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pierre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $99,383 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -12.81% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Pierre, SD earn a median of $93,420 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $99,383.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pierre has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pierre, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $93,420 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,668 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$77,099
2025 BLS Actual
$90,770
2026 Current Est.
$93,420
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,099 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,607 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,089 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,969 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,759 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,109 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,770 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,420 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,148 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pierre metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $77,099 (2019) to $90,770 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $96,148 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,049 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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) | $66,935 – $80,236 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,236 – $93,420 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,420 – $117,148 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $117,148 – $140,874 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Pierre
With only four mechanical engineers currently employed in Pierre, the local job market is relatively modest, pointing to a niche yet essential role for these professionals. The cost-of-living index stands at 92.8, which means that although salaries are lower than the national average, purchasing power remains favorable. Major employers that drive higher wages in the area include HVAC firms, where engineers with a PE license may command a salary premium. Salary discrepancies can arise from various factors, such as industry demands—those involved in aerospace and defense, particularly with firms like SpaceX, often enjoy more lucrative compensation packages due to equity offerings and the necessity for security clearances. For engineers looking to maximize their pay in Pierre, strategies such as obtaining relevant certifications, seeking positions within high-paying sectors, and considering roles that offer advancement opportunities can be critical in navigating their career trajectory effectively.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
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 $90,770 for mechanical engineersin the Pierre 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 Pierre 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