Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
Mechanical Engineers in Oklahoma City, OK, earn an average annual salary of $94,960. This figure is notably below the national average of $109,640, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. Factors such as the specific industry concentration and the overall economic landscape of Oklahoma City play a significant role in shaping these salary levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $94,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $131,020.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 860 Mechanical Engineers and a Location Quotient of 0.69, Oklahoma City presents a market with a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. While the absolute number of engineers is modest, the LQ indicates that the demand, while present, is not as robust as in more concentrated hubs. The figure of 1.279 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady, albeit not explosive, presence of mechanical engineering roles.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Oklahoma City, OK earns-13.4%below the national average.
$45.7
$1,826
$7,913
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that mechanical engineering salaries across the nation, including in Oklahoma City, have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for specialized skills, and the evolving complexity of engineering projects. Therefore, it's reasonable to infer that the $94,960 average reflects a current snapshot within a generally appreciating salary landscape.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Oklahoma City, OK
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Oklahoma City, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, likely falling below the 25th percentile. As engineers gain experience, develop expertise in specific areas like HVAC, automotive, or aerospace, and take on more complex projects, their earning potential increases significantly, moving them towards the 75th percentile and beyond for senior or lead roles. These percentile gaps are clear indicators of career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $67,570 | $32.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $71,220 | $34.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $86,940 | $41.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $118,700 | $57.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $131,020 | $63 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$94,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$94,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average nominal salary of $94,960 in Oklahoma City aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Mechanical Engineer's salary in Oklahoma City is equivalent to the national average. While the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living being on par with the national average suggests that the real value of the salary is maintained, making it a stable financial environment for these professionals.
Job Market Context
860
Total Jobs
1.279
Per 1K Jobs
0.69
Location Quotient
Oklahoma City, OK has 0.69x the national average concentration of Mechanical Engineers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.69 indicates that Mechanical Engineers are less concentrated in Oklahoma City compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may be less saturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled professionals. However, it also implies that the overall demand might be lower than in areas with a higher LQ, meaning job seekers may need to be more targeted in their search and highlight specialized skills to stand out.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $88,530↓ 7% | 34 mi |
| Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $95,520↑ 1% | 34 mi |
| Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $114,800↑ 21% | 34 mi |
| Northwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $104,520↑ 10% | 34 mi |
Comparing salaries near Oklahoma City, OK
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Oklahoma City, OK?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Oklahoma City, OK is $94,960. This typically ranges from $67,570 for entry-level positions to $131,020 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Oklahoma City, OK is 13.4% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Oklahoma City, OK a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineerss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $94,960 is below the national average of $109,640, though the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Oklahoma City, OK a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Oklahoma City, OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Oklahoma City, OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area ($88,530) and Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.
How does Oklahoma City's cost of living compare to other major cities for Mechanical Engineers?
Oklahoma City's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means that while the salary may be lower than the national average, your purchasing power is comparable to the average across the United States.
What is the concentration of Mechanical Engineers in Oklahoma City?
The Location Quotient for Mechanical Engineers in Oklahoma City is 0.69, indicating a lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
Are there many job openings for Mechanical Engineers in Oklahoma City?
With 1.279 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a consistent presence of mechanical engineering roles in Oklahoma City, though the lower Location Quotient suggests it's not a primary hub for the profession.
How does experience affect a Mechanical Engineer's salary in Oklahoma City?
Experience significantly impacts salary, with entry-level engineers earning less and senior engineers with specialized skills commanding higher compensation, reflecting a clear career progression path.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 860 employees in the Oklahoma City, OK area with a job density of 1.279 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Mechanical Engineers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Oklahoma City, OK
- All Occupations Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
- Management Occupations Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
- Browse All Jobs in Oklahoma City, OK →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Mechanical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Oklahoma City, OK