Mechanical Engineer Salary in University Place, WA: $108,546 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in University Place, WA earns a median $108,546/year (≈ $52.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in University Place's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $101,067 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in University Place, WA can expect a median annual salary of $108,546, which is slightly above the national median of $107,150. The local salary range extends from $77,430 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $168,245 at the upper end (90th percentile). These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, and reflect the area's unique employment landscape influenced by sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and HVAC. The presence of high-profile aerospace companies like Boeing and SpaceX juxtaposed with automotive leaders such as Tesla creates competitive pay structures, contributing to a robust mechanical engineering job market in University Place.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,430 | $37.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,685 | $41.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $108,546 | $52.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $133,497 | $64.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $168,245 | $80.88 |
Median Salary Position
1.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Place
In University Place, WA, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $90,815 (2026 est.). At $108,546, the local median is 1.3% above the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University Place: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University Place Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
University Place median: $108,546/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University Place Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $110,648 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | +1.30% more |
Mechanical Engineers in University Place, WA earn a median of $108,546 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.30% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $110,648.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University Place has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
University Place, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $108,546 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $101,067 — a 6.89% 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
$89,582
2025 BLS Actual
$105,466
2026 Current Est.
$108,546
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,582 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,334 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,541 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,564 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,806 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,282 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,466 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,546 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,715 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University Place metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $89,582 (2019) to $105,466 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $111,715 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,133 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Place 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) | $77,430 – $86,685 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,685 – $108,546 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $108,546 – $133,497 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $133,497 – $168,245 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in University Place
While only six mechanical engineers are currently employed in University Place, the local job market shows promise for those entering the field. The cost-of-living index sits at 107.4, translating to higher living expenses and impacting take-home pay. Employers in the aerospace and defense industries typically offer the highest salaries, driven by a need for security clearances and specialized expertise. In contrast, mechanical engineers in automotive roles may find their pay influenced by the volatility of the EV sector. To maximize earnings, engineers should consider pursuing their PE licensure to access higher-paying HVAC jobs, explore equity opportunities at tech-adjacent firms, or transition into management roles where compensation can significantly increase. Strategic career planning and aligning with high-growth industries will be essential for professionals aiming to enhance their mechanical engineer salary in University Place.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in University Place, WA in 2026?
Is University Place, WA a good place to work as a mechanical engineer?
Can mechanical engineers make $100K in University Place?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted mechanical engineer salary in University Place?
How much does a mechanical engineer make per hour in University Place?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 $105,466 for mechanical engineersin the University Place 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 University Place 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