Mechanical Engineer Salary in Alaska
Based on 380+ workers in Alaska
Median Annual Salary (AK)
$124,340
$59.78/hr
vs National Average
$105,416
+18.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$77K – $174K
380 employed in Alaska
The median Mechanical Engineer salary in Alaska is $129,990 per year, representing a notable premium compared to most of the country. With approximately 530 mechanical engineers employed throughout the state, Alaska's market offers competitive compensation that stands 26% above the national average, making it an attractive destination for professionals in this field.
Several factors influence Mechanical Engineer salary in Alaska, including the state's unique geographic challenges, higher cost of living, and demand from industries like oil and gas, mining, and construction. Experience level, specific industry sector, and educational background also play significant roles in determining individual compensation within the state's engineering market.
Salary Distribution — Mechanical Engineer in Alaska
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $76,890 |
| 25th percentile | $92,280 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $124,340 |
| 75th percentile | $157,610 |
| 90th percentile | $174,320 |
Top-Paying Industries for Mechanical Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Mechanical Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Mechanical Engineers in Alaska tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $175,610 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $138,030 | 1K |
| Utilities | $135,150 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $128,760 | 100 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,390 | 12K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Mechanical Engineer in Alaska vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alaska) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,260 |
| 2023 | $101,960 |
| 2024 | $129,990 |
| 2025 | $124,340 |
| 2026 (projected) | $124,340 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alaska Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,260 | $92,043 |
| 2023 | $101,960 | $97,128 |
| 2024 | $129,990 | $102,901 |
| 2025 | $124,340 | $105,416 |
| 2026 (projected) | $124,340 | $105,416 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Alaska
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $92,280 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $124,340 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $157,610 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $174,320 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Mechanical Engineer Salaries in Alaska
How other high-demand occupations in Alaska compare to Mechanical Engineer ($124,340 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mechanical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineer in AK | $206,290 | +65.9% | $99.18/hr |
| Engineering Manager in AK | $164,260 | +32.1% | $78.97/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in AK | $156,510 | +25.9% | $75.25/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in AK | $125,970 | +1.3% | $60.56/hr |
| Materials Engineer in AK | $123,360 | -0.8% | $59.31/hr |
| Civil Engineer in AK | $114,730 | -7.7% | $55.16/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in AK | $110,220 | -11.4% | $52.99/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in AK | $106,080 | -14.7% | $51.00/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in AK | $101,710 | -18.2% | $48.90/hr |
| Psychologist in AK | $124,270 | -0.1% | $59.75/hr |
| Financial Manager in AK | $127,030 | +2.2% | $61.07/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in AK | $120,920 | -2.8% | $58.13/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in Alaska?
- Mechanical engineers in Alaska earn a median salary of $129,990 per year, or $62 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 26.3% premium for working in Alaska.
What is the salary range for mechanical engineers in Alaska?
- The salary range for mechanical engineers in Alaska spans from $75,980 at the lower end to $159,970 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type across the state.
Is Alaska a good state for mechanical engineers' salary compared to the national average?
- Yes, Alaska offers significantly better compensation for mechanical engineers, with salaries 26.3% above the national average. The median salary of $129,990 per year makes it an attractive location for this profession.
How many mechanical engineers are employed in Alaska?
- There are approximately 530 mechanical engineers currently employed in Alaska. This represents a relatively specialized workforce in the state's engineering sector.