Mechanical Engineer salary in North Dakota
Mechanical Engineers in North Dakota earn a median of $86,330 a year ($41.51 an hour), based on BLS data for 790 workers.
Pay ranges from $63,930 for the lowest-paid 10% to $136,060 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $104,110. North Dakota ranks 49th of 51 states for mechanical engineers pay. There are 1.8 mechanical engineers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $96,400, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for mechanical engineers in North Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $63,930 | $30.73 |
| 25th percentile | $77,990 | $37.50 |
| Median | $86,330 | $41.51 |
| 75th percentile | $114,830 | $55.21 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $136,060 | $65.41 |
| Average (mean) | $96,400 | $46.34 |
Half of mechanical engineers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $7,194.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,597.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,320.38 |
| Weekly | $1,660.19 |
| Hourly | $41.51 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Mechanical Engineer salary in cities in North Dakota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $91,430 | 90 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $86,330 | 290 |
Highest-paying states for mechanical engineers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Mexico | $157,710 |
| District of Columbia | $133,300 |
| California | $130,900 |
| Delaware | $125,130 |
| Colorado | $124,430 |
| Alaska | $124,340 |
| Maryland | $122,870 |
| Louisiana | $119,540 |
| Massachusetts | $119,300 |
| Wyoming | $117,750 |
Related jobs in North Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | $98,190 | $47.21 |
| Industrial Engineer | $96,940 | $46.61 |
| Electrical Engineer | $110,810 | $53.28 |
| Engineers, All Other | $100,250 | $48.20 |
| Petroleum Engineer | $132,120 | $63.52 |
| Environmental Engineer | $91,370 | $43.93 |
| Chemical Engineer | $115,400 | $55.48 |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | $104,860 | $50.41 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $65,030 | $31.27 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $64,720 | $31.12 |
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | $97,110 | $46.69 |
| Surveyor | $79,360 | $38.15 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $60,870 | $29.26 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $80,930 | $38.91 |
More: Architecture and Engineering Occupations · all salaries in North Dakota
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 17-2141. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a mechanical engineer make in North Dakota?
The median salary for mechanical engineers in North Dakota is $86,330 a year, or $41.51 an hour. Pay ranges from $63,930 for the lowest-paid 10% to $136,060 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid mechanical engineers make in North Dakota?
The top 10% of mechanical engineers in North Dakota earn at least $136,060 a year. The top 25% earn $114,830 or more.
What is the starting pay for mechanical engineers in North Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $63,930 a year, and a quarter of mechanical engineers earn $77,990 or less.
How many mechanical engineers work in North Dakota?
About 790 mechanical engineers are employed in North Dakota, not counting the self-employed.