Engineering Louisiana (LA) Rank #34 of 50

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Louisiana

The median mechanical engineer salary in Louisiana is $87,642 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $96,310.

Median Salary
$87,642
vs National
$-8,668
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
91%

Mechanical Engineer Salary Overview in Louisiana (2026)

Louisiana ranks #34 out of 50 states for mechanical engineer compensation. Mechanical Engineer salaries in Louisiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $87,642 per year, mechanical engineers in Louisiana earn $8,668 less than the national median of $96,310.

A key advantage of working in Louisiana is its below-average cost of living (91% of the national index). This means the $87,642 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $96,310 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Louisiana is significant: mechanical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $57,694, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $133,042 — a $75,348 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Louisiana for this role is New Orleans, where the median reaches $94,384.

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for mechanical engineers across the country.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Louisiana by Experience

In Louisiana, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $59,150, while experienced professionals earn up to $125,580 per year. The cost of living index in Louisiana is 91% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,150
$-5,850 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$87,360
$-8,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$125,580
$-12,420 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Louisiana

Percentile LA Salary
10th Percentile $57,694
25th Percentile $71,708
Median (50th) $87,642
75th Percentile $108,836
90th Percentile $133,042

Mechanical Engineer Salary by City in Louisiana

The largest employment areas for mechanical engineers in Louisiana include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

New Orleans, LA
$94,384
Pop. 383,997 · COL 98%
Baton Rouge, LA
$88,605
Pop. 227,470 · COL 92%
Shreveport, LA
$81,864
Pop. 187,593 · COL 85%
Lafayette, LA
$84,753
Pop. 121,374 · COL 88%
Lake Charles, LA
$82,827
Pop. 80,000 · COL 86%

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Louisiana

Education

Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Louisiana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook in Louisiana

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Louisiana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Open to Mechanical Engineer Roles in Louisiana?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Louisiana

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Louisiana? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Louisiana is $87,642 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $57,694 (10th percentile) to $133,042 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Louisiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,642, a mechanical engineer in Louisiana earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Louisiana a good state for mechanical engineers? ▼
Louisiana ranks #34 out of 50 states for mechanical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 91% of the national average. Entry-level mechanical engineers earn $59,150, while senior professionals earn $125,580.
How does Louisiana compare to other states for mechanical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for mechanical engineers is Hawaii at $163,727. Louisiana's median of $87,642 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wisconsin ($88,605) and Wyoming ($88,605).
What is the entry-level mechanical engineer salary in Louisiana? ▼
An entry-level mechanical engineer in Louisiana earns approximately $59,150 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $87,360. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $125,580.
What city in Louisiana pays mechanical engineers the most? ▼
New Orleans is the highest paying city in Louisiana for mechanical engineers, with a median salary of $94,384. Other cities include Baton Rouge and Shreveport.