Mechanical Engineer Salary in Highland, UT: $98,310 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Highland, UT earns a median $98,310/year (≈ $47.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Highland's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.1), that paycheck buys what $100,214 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.9% below the Utah state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Highland, Utah, mechanical engineers can expect a median annual salary of $98,310 in 2026, reflecting the local dynamics influenced by major industries such as aerospace, automotive, and HVAC. With earnings ranging from $70,720 at the entry level to $142,687 for top earners, the salary opportunities are considerably diversified. These figures represent local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, which underscore how Highland's job market is shaped by key employers in aerospace with companies like SpaceX and Boeing and the automotive push led by Tesla. The competition in these sectors often results in attractive compensation packages, making it crucial for engineers to align their career paths with these high-demand industries.
About the Highland Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,720 | $34.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,640 | $40.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,310 | $47.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,838 | $57.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $142,687 | $68.60 |
Median Salary Position
8.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Highland
In Highland, UT, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,967 (2026 est.). At $98,310, the local median is 8.25% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Highland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Highland Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Highland median: $98,310/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Highland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $104,474 | -5.90% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -8.25% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Highland, UT earn a median of $98,310 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.25% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 5.90% below the Utah state average of $104,474.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Highland has a cost of living 1.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Highland, UT has a cost-of-living index of 98.1 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $98,310 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,214 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.94% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$81,135
2025 BLS Actual
$95,521
2026 Current Est.
$98,310
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Highland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,135 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,722 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,438 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,364 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,705 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,521 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,310 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,181 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Highland metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $81,135 (2019) to $95,521 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,181 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,046 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Highland 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) | $70,720 – $84,640 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,640 – $98,310 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,310 – $119,838 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,838 – $142,687 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Highland
The job market for mechanical engineers in Highland remains relatively tight, with only four mechanical engineers currently employed in the area. This limited local workforce may enhance opportunities for those entering the field. Additionally, Highland's cost of living index, at 98.1, suggests that while salaries may be slightly lower than the national median, they still offer reasonable purchasing power in relation to living expenses. Companies involved in aerospace tend to offer competitive salaries, often coupled with stock options, which can significantly elevate overall compensation. In contrast, those in the automotive sector are also well-positioned for lucrative pay, particularly with the influence of electric vehicle manufacturers. To maximize earnings, engineers should consider pursuing PE licensure, which can enhance job prospects and salary potential, particularly in HVAC and structural engineering specialties. Engaging in continued education and aiming for roles in high-growth areas like defense contracting or management tracks can further improve mechanical engineer pay in Highland, UT.
More salary data for Highland, UT:
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 $95,521 for mechanical engineersin the Highland 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 Highland 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