Mechanical Engineers in Alaska. BLS OES + DOL OFLC + reader-reported submissions. How this is built →
What the numbers say
Mechanical Engineers in Alaska earned a median of $129,990 in 2024, about 24% above the national median of $104,651. That is a real premium, though the cost of living narrows it. Alaska's overall price index sits at 105.6, so the nominal gap shrinks once you account for what the money actually buys. The adjusted figure lands closer to $123,100 in national-baseline dollars, still comfortably ahead of the US median.
The spread between the lowest and highest earners is worth noting. The 10th percentile came in at $75,980 and the 90th at $159,970. Top earners make roughly twice what entry-level peers do, which points to significant variation by experience and project type. Alaska's engineering roles tend to cluster around oil, gas, and infrastructure work, fields where senior engineers on long-cycle projects can command strong premiums.
The mean wage of $120,920 sits below the median, which is the reverse of what we usually see. When the mean is lower, a smaller group at the bottom of the range pulls the average down rather than up. With only 530 employed Mechanical Engineers statewide, a few low-wage positions can move the mean noticeably.
BLS projects the occupation to grow 9% nationally between 2024 and 2034, a pace classified as faster than average. Alaska's own trajectory will depend heavily on the energy sector's capital spending over that period, but the national tailwind is real.
Salary distribution
Where Alaska mechanical engineers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $92,280 and $157,610, with a median of $124,340.
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Mechanical Engineers pay by experience level in Alaska
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Mechanical Engineers in Alaska, by industry
Median offered wage across 2 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Manufacturing leads with a median of $182,400.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | ConocoPhillips Company | 1 | $182,400 |
| Transportation and logistics | Cathay Pacific Airways Limited | 1 | $87,516 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Alaska over the past 3 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2025 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.9 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
- 4.7 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 4.6 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Mechanical
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Physics
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
- 02
Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements.
- 03
Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
- 04
Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs.
- 05
Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions.
- 06
Develop or test models of alternate designs or processing methods to assess feasibility, sustainability, operating condition effects, potential new applications, or necessity of modification.
- 07
Recommend the use of utility or energy services that minimize carbon footprints.
- 08
Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications, or environmental regulations.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+9.0%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Mechanical Engineers in Alaska?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Mechanical Engineers in Alaska is $124,340.
- How does Alaska compare to the national median for Mechanical Engineers?
- The Alaska median is +15.5% versus the BLS national figure of $107,639.
- What is the salary range for Mechanical Engineers in Alaska?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $76,890 and the 90th-percentile at $174,320, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Mechanical Engineers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 9.0% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Mechanical Engineers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.