Engineering Rochester, MN Pop. 121,395

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Rochester, Minnesota

The median mechanical engineer salary in Rochester, MN is $94,384 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 1.0% above the Minnesota state average.

City Median
$94,384
vs State Avg
+$963
vs National
$-1,926
Cost of Living
98%

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

Rochester offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $94,384, which is $963 above the Minnesota state average of $93,421. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Rochester pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 98% 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 Rochester spans from $62,132 at the 10th percentile to $143,276 at the 90th percentile — a $81,144 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,700, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $135,240. With a population of 121,395, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $63,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $135,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,700
$-1,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$94,080
$-1,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$135,240
$-2,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rochester, MN

Percentile Rochester
10th Percentile $62,132
25th Percentile $77,224
Median (50th) $94,384
75th Percentile $117,208
90th Percentile $143,276

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Minnesota Cities

Minneapolis, MN
$101,126
Pop. 429,954
Bloomington, MN
$98,236
Pop. 89,987
Saint Paul, MN
$96,310
Pop. 311,527
Duluth, MN
$86,679
Pop. 90,884

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Rochester

Education

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

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Rochester

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Rochester, MN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Rochester

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Rochester, MN? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Rochester, Minnesota is $94,384 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $62,132 (10th percentile) to $143,276 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Rochester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,384, a mechanical engineer in Rochester earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rochester compare to the Minnesota state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Rochester's median mechanical engineer salary of $94,384 is 1.0% above the Minnesota state average of $93,421. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rochester, MN? ▼
Rochester has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $94,384 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Rochester? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Rochester 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.