Home / City Job Salaries / Mechanical Engineer in Grand Rapids

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Grand Rapids, MI

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

Median Salary
$92,420
per year in Grand Rapids
Entry Level
$56,583
Starting salary
Senior Level
$127,313
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
93
7% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$56,583$92,420$127,313
Monthly$4,715$7,702$10,609
Biweekly$2,176$3,555$4,897
Weekly$1,088$1,777$2,448
Hourly$27$44$61

Grand Rapids vs National Average

How Grand Rapids's mechanical engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Grand Rapids Salary
$92,420
COL Index: 93
National Average
$112,400
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$19,980
Lower in Grand Rapids

Cost of Living in Grand Rapids

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,100
per month
Median Income
$48,410
per year
Population
198,917
residents
Rent % of Income
27.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 93 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Grand Rapids 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
+20%
Los Angeles, CA
$114,290
+24%
Chicago, IL
$100,390
+9%
Houston, TX
$126,870
+37%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,300
+11%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a mechanical engineer salary in Grand Rapids.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Grand Rapids.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Grand Rapids.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Grand Rapids, MI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a mechanical engineer in Grand Rapids, MI is $92,420 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 93. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Grand Rapids's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level mechanical engineer professionals in Grand Rapids can expect to earn around $56,583 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level mechanical engineers earning approximately $127,313 per year. This represents a 125% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Grand Rapids's cost of living index of 93 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month, housing represents about 14.3% 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 Grand Rapids, 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.