Engineering Minnesota (MN) Rank #20 of 50

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Minnesota

The median mechanical engineer salary in Minnesota is $93,421 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $96,310.

Median Salary
$93,421
vs National
$-2,889
State Rank
#20 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Mechanical Engineer Salary Overview in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for mechanical engineer compensation. Minnesota falls in the middle of the pack for mechanical engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $93,421 per year, mechanical engineers in Minnesota earn $2,889 less than the national median of $96,310.

Minnesota's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning mechanical engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Minnesota is significant: mechanical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $61,498, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $141,814 — a $80,316 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Minnesota for this role is Minneapolis, where the median reaches $101,126.

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 Minnesota by Experience

In Minnesota, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $63,050, while experienced professionals earn up to $133,860 per year. The cost of living index in Minnesota is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,050
$-1,950 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$93,120
$-2,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$133,860
$-4,140 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Minnesota

Percentile MN Salary
10th Percentile $61,498
25th Percentile $76,436
Median (50th) $93,421
75th Percentile $116,012
90th Percentile $141,814

Mechanical Engineer Salary by City in Minnesota

The largest employment areas for mechanical engineers in Minnesota include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Minnesota

Education

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

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook in Minnesota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Minnesota

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Minnesota? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Minnesota is $93,421 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $61,498 (10th percentile) to $141,814 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Minnesota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $93,421, a mechanical engineer in Minnesota earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Minnesota a good state for mechanical engineers? ▼
Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for mechanical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level mechanical engineers earn $63,050, while senior professionals earn $133,860.
How does Minnesota compare to other states for mechanical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for mechanical engineers is Hawaii at $163,727. Minnesota's median of $93,421 ranks #20 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maine ($94,384) and Arizona ($93,421).
What is the entry-level mechanical engineer salary in Minnesota? ▼
An entry-level mechanical engineer in Minnesota earns approximately $63,050 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $93,120. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $133,860.
What city in Minnesota pays mechanical engineers the most? ▼
Minneapolis is the highest paying city in Minnesota for mechanical engineers, with a median salary of $101,126. Other cities include Saint Paul and Rochester.