Mechanical Engineer Salary in Louisiana
Based on 2K+ workers in Louisiana
Median Annual Salary (LA)
$119,540
$57.47/hr
vs National Average
$105,416
+13.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$70K – $182K
2K employed in Louisiana
Mechanical engineers in Louisiana earn a median salary of $119,540 per year, which is 13% above the national average. With approximately 1,890 mechanical engineers employed throughout the state, this represents a solid demand for skilled professionals in this field. Salaries for mechanical engineers in Louisiana typically range from $70,350 to $181,550 annually, depending on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence mechanical engineer salary in Louisiana, including years of experience, educational credentials, and industry specialization. Engineers working in energy, petrochemical, or manufacturing sectors often command higher compensation than those in other industries. Geographic location within the state, company size, and advanced certifications also play significant roles in determining individual earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Mechanical Engineer in Louisiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $70,350 |
| 25th percentile | $81,790 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $119,540 |
| 75th percentile | $147,560 |
| 90th percentile | $181,550 |
Mechanical Engineer H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Louisiana
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Louisiana.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level II | Qualified | $85,925 | 5 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Louisiana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,300 |
| 2023 | $109,200 |
| 2024 | $114,050 |
| 2025 | $119,540 |
| 2026 (projected) | $125,294 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Louisiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,300 | $92,043 |
| 2023 | $109,200 | $97,128 |
| 2024 | $114,050 | $102,901 |
| 2025 | $119,540 | $105,416 |
| 2026 (projected) | $125,294 | $110,490 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $81,790 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $119,540 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $147,560 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $181,550 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Mechanical Engineer Salaries in Louisiana
How other high-demand occupations in Louisiana compare to Mechanical Engineer ($119,540 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mechanical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in LA | $162,850 | +36.2% | $78.29/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in LA | $139,640 | +16.8% | $67.13/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in LA | $136,970 | +14.6% | $65.85/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in LA | $134,800 | +12.8% | $64.81/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in LA | $130,510 | +9.2% | $62.75/hr |
| Materials Engineer in LA | $128,670 | +7.6% | $61.86/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in LA | $123,710 | +3.5% | $59.48/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in LA | $122,920 | +2.8% | $59.10/hr |
| Civil Engineer in LA | $105,380 | -11.8% | $50.66/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in LA | $84,320 | -29.5% | $40.54/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in LA | $119,280 | -0.2% | $57.35/hr |
| Marketing Manager in LA | $120,650 | +0.9% | $58.00/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in Louisiana?
- Mechanical engineers in Louisiana earn a median salary of $119,540 per year, or approximately $57 per hour. This is 13.4% higher than the national average, making it a competitive wage for the state.
What is the salary range for mechanical engineers in Louisiana?
- Mechanical engineer salaries in Louisiana range from $70,350 at the lower end to $181,550 at the higher end, providing significant earning potential based on experience and specialization.
How many mechanical engineers are employed in Louisiana?
- There are currently 1,890 mechanical engineers employed in Louisiana, representing a substantial job market for professionals in this field.
Do mechanical engineers earn more in Louisiana than the national average?
- Yes, mechanical engineers in Louisiana earn 13.4% more than the national average, with the state's median salary of $119,540 outpacing typical compensation across the United States.