Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Charlottesville, VA
The average salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Charlottesville, VA is $104,800. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $104,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $159,890.
- Outlook: The current demand for Mechanical Engineerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 160 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Charlottesville, VA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Charlottesville, VA earns-4.4%below the national average.
$50.4
$2,015
$8,733
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Mechanical Engineers salaries in Charlottesville, VA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 22.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Charlottesville, VA
The earning potential for Mechanical Engineerss in Charlottesville, VA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.5x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $62,800, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $159,890.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $62,800 | $30.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $78,600 | $37.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $97,520 | $46.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $131,000 | $63 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $159,890 | $76.9 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$104,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$104,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Charlottesville, VA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $104,800 to $104,800.
Job Market Context
160
Total Jobs
1.409
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Charlottesville, VA has 0.76x the national average concentration of Mechanical Engineers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
160 people work as Mechanical Engineers in Charlottesville, VA.
1.409 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Mechanical Engineers positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $88,570↓ 15% | 25 mi |
| Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $100,470↓ 4% | 25 mi |
| Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $88,850↓ 15% | 25 mi |
| Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $96,510↓ 8% | 25 mi |
| Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $89,090↓ 15% | 25 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charlottesville, VA
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Charlottesville, VA?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Charlottesville, VA is $104,800. This typically ranges from $62,800 for entry-level positions to $159,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charlottesville, VA is 4.4% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Charlottesville, VA a good place for Mechanical Engineerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Mechanical Engineers salary in Charlottesville, VA is $104,800 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Charlottesville, VA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Charlottesville, VA a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Charlottesville, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charlottesville, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area ($88,570) and Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 160 employees in the Charlottesville, VA area with a job density of 1.409 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Mechanical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charlottesville, VA