Mechanical Engineer Salary in Owensboro, KY: $78,974 (2026)

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

Owensboro offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $78,974, which is $4,816 below the Kentucky state average of $83,790. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $78,974 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,310 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for mechanical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Owensboro spans from $51,988 at the 10th percentile to $119,884 at the 90th percentile — a $67,896 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,300, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $113,160. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $53,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $113,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$53,300

$-11,700 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$78,720

$-17,280 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$113,160

$-24,840 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$51,988	$55,158	$63,400
25th Percentile	$64,616	$68,556	$78,800
Median (50th)	$78,974	$83,790	$96,310
75th Percentile	$98,072	$104,052	$119,600
90th Percentile	$119,884	$127,194	$146,200

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$51,988

25th Percentile

$64,616

Median (50th)

$78,974

75th Percentile

$98,072

90th Percentile

$119,884

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Owensboro

Education

Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Owensboro and the surrounding Kentucky 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 Owensboro may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median mechanical engineer salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $78,974 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $51,988 (10th percentile) to $119,884 (90th percentile).

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Owensboro? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $78,974, a mechanical engineer in Owensboro earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼

Owensboro's median mechanical engineer salary of $78,974 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $83,790. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $78,974 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Owensboro? ▼

Most mechanical engineer positions in Owensboro 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.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky