Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
Mechanical Engineers in the Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $96,990. This figure is notably below the national average of $109,640, reflecting the unique economic dynamics and potentially lower demand for specialized engineering roles in non-urbanized regions. The specific industry mix and corporate presence within this area significantly influence compensation levels compared to major metropolitan hubs.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $96,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $141,150.
- Outlook: The job market for Mechanical Engineers in Southeast Minnesota's nonmetropolitan area appears stable, with a local workforce of 250 professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.86 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. With 1.606 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of Mechanical Engineers is consistent, pointing to a steady need for their skills within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area earns-11.5%below the national average.
$46.6
$1,865
$8,083
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Mechanical Engineer salaries in Southeast Minnesota have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development, increased industrial activity, and a persistent demand for engineering expertise likely contributed to incremental salary increases, aiming to keep local compensation competitive within the regional market.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan areas typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start significantly lower than the average, while senior engineers with extensive project management and design expertise can command salaries well above the $96,990 mark. The percentile gaps between junior, mid-level, and senior roles highlight clear career progression pathways and the increasing value placed on specialized knowledge and leadership.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $65,390 | $31.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $72,743 | $35 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $90,140 | $43.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $121,238 | $58.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $141,150 | $67.9 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$96,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$96,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $96,990 for Mechanical Engineers in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan areas aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national standard. Consequently, the standard of living for an engineer in this region is comparable to that of an engineer in a higher-cost national average area, offering good value for their earnings.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
1.606
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area has 0.86x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.86, the Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area exhibits a slightly lower concentration of Mechanical Engineers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and valued, the job market may be less saturated than in major industrial centers. This could translate to a more competitive environment for job seekers but also potentially more opportunities for those with specialized skills to stand out.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| St. Cloud, MN Mechanical Engineers Salary | $93,270↓ 4% | 17 mi |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Mechanical Engineers Salary | $109,450↑ 13% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is $96,990. This typically ranges from $65,390 for entry-level positions to $141,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is 11.5% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.While the average salary of $96,990 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $109,640. However, the equivalent cost of living means purchasing power is on par nationally.
Is Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include St. Cloud, MN ($93,270) and Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI.
How does the cost of living affect Mechanical Engineer salaries in this region?
The cost of living in Southeast Minnesota's nonmetropolitan area is at the national average (100). This means the $96,990 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a balanced financial proposition despite being below the national salary average.
What is the job market like for Mechanical Engineers in this area?
The job market is stable with a local workforce of 250. The Location Quotient of 0.86 indicates a presence slightly below the national average concentration, suggesting moderate demand and a potentially less saturated job pool.
Are there many Mechanical Engineering jobs per capita in Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan areas?
There are 1.606 Mechanical Engineering jobs per 1,000 workers in this region. This metric indicates a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, level of employment for the profession relative to the overall workforce.
How does experience impact a Mechanical Engineer's salary in Southeast Minnesota?
Experience significantly impacts salary. Entry-level engineers will earn less than the $96,990 average, while senior engineers with specialized skills and leadership experience can command substantially higher compensation, reflecting career progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.606 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 Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area