In El Paso, TX, Mechanical Engineers earn a median of $80,510 a year — about 23% below the U.S. median of $105,220. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #50.
What that pay is worth in El Paso
Local prices run 90 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $83,330 salary stretches further than the sticker number — about $92,680 in national-average buying power.
Can Mechanical Engineers afford a home in El Paso?
A typical El Paso home runs about $171,700 — 2.1 times the average Mechanical Engineer salary, very affordable against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,041/mo takes roughly 15% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Mechanical Engineer pay ladder in El Paso
Entry-level (10th percentile) Mechanical Engineers earn about $44,130; the top 10% reach $123,210 — a $79,080 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Mechanical Engineer job market in El Paso
El Paso employs roughly 180 Mechanical Engineers. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare El Paso with other cities
See the full Mechanical Engineer salary by city ranking to weigh El Paso against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Mechanical Engineers make in El Paso?
The average Mechanical Engineer in El Paso, TX earns about $83,330 per year, 20.8% below the national average of $105,220.
What is the take-home pay for Mechanical Engineers in El Paso after taxes?
After federal and TX taxes, this $83,330 salary is worth about $67,452 a year - roughly $5,621 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 19%.
What do the highest-paid Mechanical Engineers earn in El Paso?
The top 10% of Mechanical Engineers in El Paso earn about $123,210 a year, versus about $44,130 for the bottom 10%.
Can Mechanical Engineers afford a home in El Paso?
A typical El Paso home runs about $171,700 - roughly 2.1x this salary, within reach by the classic 3x rule of thumb.