Engineering Athens, GA Pop. 127,064

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Athens, Georgia

The median mechanical engineer salary in Athens, GA is $86,679 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.2% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$86,679
vs State Avg
$-2,889
vs National
$-9,631
Cost of Living
90%

Mechanical Engineer Pay in Athens: What to Expect (2026)

Athens offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $86,679, which is $2,889 below the Georgia state average of $89,568. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Athens pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Athens's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Athens spans from $57,060 at the 10th percentile to $131,580 at the 90th percentile — a $74,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,500, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,200. With a population of 127,064, Athens is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Athens by Experience

In Athens, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $58,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,500
$-6,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,200
$-13,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Athens, GA

Percentile Athens
10th Percentile $57,060
25th Percentile $70,920
Median (50th) $86,679
75th Percentile $107,640
90th Percentile $131,580

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA
$98,236
Pop. 498,715
Savannah, GA
$88,605
Pop. 147,780
Augusta, GA
$84,753
Pop. 202,081
Columbus, GA
$82,827
Pop. 206,922

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Athens

Education

Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Athens and the surrounding Georgia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Athens may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Athens

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Athens, GA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Athens

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Athens, GA? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Athens, Georgia is $86,679 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $57,060 (10th percentile) to $131,580 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Athens? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,679, a mechanical engineer in Athens earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Athens compare to the Georgia state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Athens's median mechanical engineer salary of $86,679 is 3.2% below the Georgia state average of $89,568. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Athens, GA? ▼
Athens has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $86,679 in Athens has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Athens? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Athens require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include SolidWorks/CAD, Thermodynamics, FEA, Manufacturing. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.