Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
Mechanical Engineers in the Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $93,780. This figure is notably below the national average of $109,640, reflecting the unique economic dynamics and demand specific to this region. Factors such as local industry concentration and the overall cost of doing business likely contribute to this regional pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $93,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $119,020.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 210 Mechanical Engineers, the job market in Southwest Minnesota presents a stable, albeit niche, opportunity. The Location Quotient of 0.97 suggests a concentration of these professionals that is very close to the national average, indicating a balanced demand and supply within the region. The presence of nearly 1.8 Mechanical Engineers per 1,000 workers signifies a consistent, though not exceptionally high, need for their expertise.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area earns-14.5%below the national average.
$45.1
$1,803
$7,815
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 Southwest Minnesota have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and evolving industrial needs within the region likely contribute to a gradual increase in compensation for skilled engineers.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Southwest Minnesota, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while senior engineers with extensive project management skills and specialized knowledge can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not explicitly detailed here, would reflect this career trajectory, with higher percentiles representing seasoned professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $73,460 | $35.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $70,335 | $33.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $85,400 | $41.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $117,225 | $56.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $119,020 | $57.2 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$93,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$93,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $93,780 for Mechanical Engineers in Southwest Minnesota aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an engineer's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
1.799
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area has 0.97x 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 0.97 indicates that Southwest Minnesota has a Mechanical Engineer workforce concentration that is nearly on par with the national average. This suggests a competitive but accessible job market, where opportunities exist without being overwhelmingly saturated. Employers are likely to find a steady pool of qualified candidates, and engineers can expect a market that reflects national employment patterns.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| St. Cloud, MN Mechanical Engineers Salary | $93,270↓ 1% | 17 mi |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Mechanical Engineers Salary | $109,450↑ 17% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is $93,780. This typically ranges from $73,460 for entry-level positions to $119,020 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is 14.5% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.While the average salary of $93,780 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $109,640. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is maintained.
Is Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include St. Cloud, MN ($93,270) and Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI.
How does the Mechanical Engineer salary in Southwest Minnesota compare to the national average?
Mechanical Engineers in Southwest Minnesota earn an average of $93,780 annually, which is lower than the national average of $109,640.
What is the concentration of Mechanical Engineers in Southwest Minnesota?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.97, indicating a workforce size very close to the national average for this profession.
How does the cost of living in Southwest Minnesota affect the Mechanical Engineer salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $93,780 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the total number of Mechanical Engineers in the Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area?
There are approximately 210 Mechanical Engineers employed in the Southwest Minnesota 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 210 employees in the Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.799 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 Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area