Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
Mechanical Engineers in St. Louis, MO-IL earn an average annual salary of $93,510. This figure is notably below the national average of $109,640, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different industry focus influence compensation in this metropolitan area. Factors such as the specific demand for specialized engineering skills and the overall economic landscape of the region play a crucial role in shaping these salary levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $93,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $132,500.
- Outlook: The St. Louis, MO-IL area supports a local workforce of 1,730 Mechanical Engineers. With a Location Quotient of 0.7, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. The presence of over 1.2 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable job market, though not one experiencing explosive growth in this specific field.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in St. Louis, MO-IL earns-14.7%below the national average.
$45
$1,798
$7,793
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that Mechanical Engineer salaries in St. Louis, MO-IL have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, technological advancements, and increased investment in infrastructure and manufacturing typically drive up demand and, consequently, compensation for skilled engineering professionals.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in St. Louis, MO-IL
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in St. Louis, MO-IL, like elsewhere, is closely tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior engineers with extensive expertise and leadership responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights the substantial career growth and earning potential available within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $62,810 | $30.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $70,133 | $33.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $86,390 | $41.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $116,888 | $56.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $132,500 | $63.7 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$93,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$93,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $93,510 in St. Louis, MO-IL 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 St. Louis is equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective. Your $93,510 salary will stretch as far as the national average allows.
Job Market Context
1,730
Total Jobs
1.293
Per 1K Jobs
0.7
Location Quotient
St. Louis, MO-IL has 0.70x 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 0.7 for Mechanical Engineers in St. Louis, MO-IL indicates that the concentration of these professionals is 30% lower than the national average. This suggests that the job market may be less saturated compared to national hubs, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled engineers. While not a high-concentration area, the steady presence of 1,730 professionals points to consistent demand within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield, IL Mechanical Engineers Salary | $106,920↑ 14% | 84 mi |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Mechanical Engineers Salary | $83,110↓ 11% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near St. Louis, MO-IL
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in St. Louis, MO-IL?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in St. Louis, MO-IL is $93,510. This typically ranges from $62,810 for entry-level positions to $132,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in St. Louis, MO-IL is 14.7% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $93,510 is below the national average of $109,640, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near St. Louis, MO-IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, IL ($106,920) and Cape Girardeau, MO-IL.
How does St. Louis compare to other cities for Mechanical Engineers?
St. Louis offers a salary that is below the national average, but its cost of living is also at the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable.
What is the job outlook for Mechanical Engineers in St. Louis?
The outlook appears stable, with a moderate concentration of professionals and consistent job availability, though not a high-demand hotspot.
Does experience significantly impact a Mechanical Engineer's salary in St. Louis?
Yes, like most engineering fields, experience is a key driver of salary, with senior engineers earning substantially more than entry-level professionals.
Is the St. Louis job market competitive for Mechanical Engineers?
With a Location Quotient below 1.0, the market is less concentrated than the national average, suggesting potentially less intense competition for skilled engineers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,730 employees in the St. Louis, MO-IL area with a job density of 1.293 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 St. Louis, MO-IL