Engineering Bismarck, ND Pop. 73,529

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Bismarck, North Dakota

The median mechanical engineer salary in Bismarck, ND is $86,679 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$86,679
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-9,631
Cost of Living
90%

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

Bismarck offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $86,679, which is $0 above the North Dakota state average of $86,679. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Bismarck pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Bismarck's cost of living is 90% 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 Bismarck spans from $57,060 at the 10th percentile to $131,580 at the 90th percentile — a $74,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,500, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,200. Bismarck is a smaller market (pop. 73,529), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Bismarck by Experience

In Bismarck, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $58,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,500
$-6,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,200
$-13,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bismarck, ND

Percentile Bismarck
10th Percentile $57,060
25th Percentile $70,920
Median (50th) $86,679
75th Percentile $107,640
90th Percentile $131,580

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

Fargo, ND
$90,531
Pop. 125,990
West Fargo, ND
$89,568
Pop. 38,626
Minot, ND
$88,605
Pop. 48,639
Grand Forks, ND
$84,753
Pop. 56,588

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Bismarck

Education

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

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Bismarck

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Bismarck, ND:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Bismarck

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Bismarck, ND? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Bismarck, North Dakota is $86,679 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $57,060 (10th percentile) to $131,580 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Bismarck? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,679, a mechanical engineer in Bismarck earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bismarck compare to the North Dakota state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Bismarck's median mechanical engineer salary of $86,679 is 0.0% above the North Dakota state average of $86,679. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bismarck, ND? ▼
Bismarck has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $86,679 in Bismarck has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Bismarck? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Bismarck 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.