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Mechanical Engineer Salary in Anchorage, AK

How much does a mechanical engineer make in Anchorage? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Anchorage's cost of living.

Median Salary
$129,990
per year in Anchorage
Entry Level
$79,585
Starting salary
Senior Level
$179,068
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
171
71% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how mechanical engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Anchorage.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$79,585$129,990$179,068
Monthly$6,632$10,833$14,922
Biweekly$3,061$5,000$6,887
Weekly$1,530$2,500$3,444
Hourly$38$62$86

Anchorage vs National Average

How Anchorage's mechanical engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Anchorage Salary
$129,990
COL Index: 171
National Average
$112,400
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$17,590
Higher in Anchorage

Cost of Living in Anchorage

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,450
per month
Median Income
$73,456
per year
Population
290,797
residents
Rent % of Income
40.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 171 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Anchorage have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Mechanical Engineer

Overview

Design, develop, and test mechanical equipment and systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering; PE license recommended

Key Skills

CADMechanical DesignThermodynamicsProblem Solving

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +18% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Mechanical Engineer Salary

See Mechanical Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$111,270
-14%
Los Angeles, CA
$114,290
-12%
Chicago, IL
$100,390
-23%
Houston, TX
$126,870
-2%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,300
-21%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Mechanical Engineer Salary in Anchorage, AK — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a mechanical engineer in Anchorage, AK is $129,990 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 171. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Anchorage's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level mechanical engineer professionals in Anchorage can expect to earn around $79,585 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level mechanical engineers earning approximately $179,068 per year. This represents a 125% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Anchorage's cost of living index of 171 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Anchorage are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $112,400, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a mechanical engineer's salary in Anchorage typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,450 per month, housing represents about 22.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Mechanical Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 18% over the next decade. In Anchorage, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.