Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Lafayette, LA
The average salary for Mechanical Engineerss in Lafayette, LA is $96,280. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Lafayette, LA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $96,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $168,000.
- Outlook: The current demand for Mechanical Engineerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 110 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Lafayette, LA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Lafayette, LA earns-12.2%below the national average.
$46.3
$1,852
$8,023
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Mechanical Engineers salaries in Lafayette, LA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 24.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
The earning potential for Mechanical Engineerss in Lafayette, LA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 3.0x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $55,200, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $168,000.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $55,200 | $26.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $72,210 | $34.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $79,850 | $38.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $120,350 | $57.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $168,000 | $80.8 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$96,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$96,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lafayette, LA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $96,280 to $96,280.
Job Market Context
110
Total Jobs
0.643
Per 1K Jobs
0.35
Location Quotient
At 0.35x, Lafayette, LA has a notably lower concentration of Mechanical Engineers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
110 people work as Mechanical Engineers in Lafayette, LA.
Only 0.643 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Mechanical Engineers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $133,980↑ 39% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $100,380↑ 4% | 67 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $100,680↑ 5% | 67 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $120,040↑ 25% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Lafayette, LA is $96,280. This typically ranges from $55,200 for entry-level positions to $168,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 12.2% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place for Mechanical Engineerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Mechanical Engineers salary in Lafayette, LA is $96,280 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Lafayette, LA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($133,980) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 110 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 0.643 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Mechanical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lafayette, LA