Engineering Missouri (MO) Rank #42 of 50

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Missouri

The median mechanical engineer salary in Missouri is $84,753 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $96,310.

Median Salary
$84,753
vs National
$-11,557
State Rank
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Mechanical Engineer Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for mechanical engineer compensation. Mechanical Engineer salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $84,753 per year, mechanical engineers in Missouri earn $11,557 less than the national median of $96,310.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $84,753 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $96,310 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: mechanical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $55,792, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $128,656 — a $72,864 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $88,605.

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 Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,440 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,480
$-11,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$121,440
$-16,560 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Missouri

Percentile MO Salary
10th Percentile $55,792
25th Percentile $69,344
Median (50th) $84,753
75th Percentile $105,248
90th Percentile $128,656

Mechanical Engineer Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for mechanical engineers in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Missouri

Education

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

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook in Missouri

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Missouri

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Missouri? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Missouri is $84,753 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $55,792 (10th percentile) to $128,656 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,753, a mechanical engineer in Missouri earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for mechanical engineers? ▼
Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for mechanical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level mechanical engineers earn $57,200, while senior professionals earn $121,440.
How does Missouri compare to other states for mechanical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for mechanical engineers is Hawaii at $163,727. Missouri's median of $84,753 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($85,716) and Tennessee ($85,716).
What is the entry-level mechanical engineer salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level mechanical engineer in Missouri earns approximately $57,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $84,480. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $121,440.
What city in Missouri pays mechanical engineers the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for mechanical engineers, with a median salary of $88,605. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.