Engineering Mississippi (MS) Rank #50 of 50

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Mississippi

The median mechanical engineer salary in Mississippi is $79,937 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $96,310.

Median Salary
$79,937
vs National
$-16,373
State Rank
#50 of 50
Cost of Living
83%

Mechanical Engineer Salary Overview in Mississippi (2026)

Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for mechanical engineer compensation. Mechanical Engineer salaries in Mississippi are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $79,937 per year, mechanical engineers in Mississippi earn $16,373 less than the national median of $96,310.

A key advantage of working in Mississippi is its below-average cost of living (83% of the national index). This means the $79,937 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $96,310 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Mississippi is significant: mechanical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $52,622, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $121,346 — a $68,724 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Mississippi for this role is Jackson, where the median reaches $81,864.

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 Mississippi by Experience

In Mississippi, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $53,950, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,540 per year. The cost of living index in Mississippi is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,950
$-11,050 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,680
$-16,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,540
$-23,460 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Mississippi

Percentile MS Salary
10th Percentile $52,622
25th Percentile $65,404
Median (50th) $79,937
75th Percentile $99,268
90th Percentile $121,346

Mechanical Engineer Salary by City in Mississippi

The largest employment areas for mechanical engineers in Mississippi include Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Mississippi

Education

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

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook in Mississippi

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Mississippi

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Mississippi? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Mississippi is $79,937 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $52,622 (10th percentile) to $121,346 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Mississippi? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,937, a mechanical engineer in Mississippi earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Mississippi a good state for mechanical engineers? ▼
Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for mechanical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 83% of the national average. Entry-level mechanical engineers earn $53,950, while senior professionals earn $114,540.
How does Mississippi compare to other states for mechanical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for mechanical engineers is Hawaii at $163,727. Mississippi's median of $79,937 ranks #50 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arkansas ($80,900) and West Virginia ($80,900).
What is the entry-level mechanical engineer salary in Mississippi? ▼
An entry-level mechanical engineer in Mississippi earns approximately $53,950 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $79,680. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $114,540.
What city in Mississippi pays mechanical engineers the most? ▼
Jackson is the highest paying city in Mississippi for mechanical engineers, with a median salary of $81,864. Other cities include Gulfport and Southaven.