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Mechanical Engineering Salary in Idaho: Is It a Good Career?

Idaho · 2026 BLS salary data

Mechanical Engineering pay in Idaho

The median wage is $93,190/yr — 10% below the national median. Among U.S. states, Idahoranks #46 of 51 states by median pay.

The numbers in Idaho

Real BLS state-level figures for Mechanical Engineering.

Median salary
$93,190/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$76,540 – $108,570
National median
$104,110/yr
Employed in Idaho
1,070

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.

What that pay is really worth in Idaho

Salary alone can mislead — Idaho costs 4% less than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
95.5
Nominal median
$93,190
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $97,581
State income tax
Up to 5.695%

Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities (all items, US=100), 2024. Adjusted pay = nominal median ÷ (RPP/100) — purchasing power vs the U.S. average. State income tax = top marginal rate on wage income (Tax Foundation, 2025); your effective rate is lower and depends on income and deductions.

FAQ

How much do mechanical engineering professionals make in Idaho?

The median annual wage is $93,190 (BLS OEWS, state estimates), with the middle 50% earning between $76,540 and $108,570. That's 10% below the national median.

Is Idaho a good state for mechanical engineering?

By raw pay, Idaho ranks #46 of 51 states by median pay. Adjusted for cost of living (Idaho costs 4% less than the U.S. average), that median is worth about $97,581.

Are mechanical engineering professionals in demand in Idaho?

About 1,070 people work in this field in Idaho (BLS OEWS). Nationally, BLS projects +9.1% employment growth for this field from 2024 to 2034.

The verdict, pros, and cons below apply to Mechanical Engineering nationally — Idaho pay is 10% below the national median. See the full Mechanical Engineering career guide →

The verdict

Yes — mechanical engineering is one of the most versatile degrees, with strong pay, broad demand across industries, and faster-than-average growth. A solid, flexible choice if you enjoy math and physical systems.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Strong pay from a bachelor's degree
  • Extremely versatile across industries
  • Faster-than-average projected growth
  • Transferable to management and other engineering fields
  • Tangible, hands-on design work

Cons

  • Rigorous, math-heavy degree
  • Lower ceiling than software or finance
  • Some roles require on-site presence
  • PE license needed for certain positions

Who it's for

✓ A good fit if…

  • People who enjoy math, physics, and building
  • Those wanting flexible, broad career options
  • Anyone seeking stable engineering pay

✗ Probably not if…

  • People chasing the highest possible pay
  • Those who dislike heavy math and physics

What people are actually asking

Real Reddit discussions on whether Mechanical Engineering is worth it — titles link to the original threads.