Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Mechanical Engineers in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an impressive average annual salary of $111,160. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $109,640, indicating a strong demand for specialized engineering talent within this dynamic region. The local economic landscape and industry concentration likely contribute to this competitive compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $111,160 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $169,540.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area supports a robust workforce of 660 Mechanical Engineers. With a Location Quotient of 1.04, the concentration of these professionals is slightly above the national average, suggesting a healthy and active job market. The presence of 1.935 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent demand for mechanical engineering expertise in this locale.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns+1.4%above the national average.
$53.4
$2,138
$9,263
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Mechanical Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased industry investment, and evolving technological demands typically drive upward salary adjustments in specialized fields.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while senior engineers with extensive expertise can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries clearly signifies substantial career progression and increased earning potential as professionals advance in their careers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $75,240 | $36.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $83,370 | $40.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $101,560 | $48.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $138,950 | $66.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $169,540 | $81.5 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$111,160
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$111,160
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $111,160 in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Mechanical Engineer's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
660
Total Jobs
1.935
Per 1K Jobs
1.04
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.04, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Mechanical Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.04 for Mechanical Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill indicates a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet accessible environment where employers actively seek skilled engineers, and professionals have good opportunities for employment and career advancement within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $106,490↓ 4% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $90,870↓ 18% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $108,230↓ 3% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $94,820↓ 15% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $83,580↓ 25% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $111,160. This typically ranges from $75,240 for entry-level positions to $169,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 1.4% higher than the national median of $109,640.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
Yes, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers.Mechanical Engineers in this area earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($106,490) and Burlington, NC.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
Mechanical Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill earn an average of $111,160 annually, which is slightly higher than the national average of $109,640.
What is the cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100.
How many Mechanical Engineers are there in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
There are approximately 660 Mechanical Engineers employed in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area.
Is there high demand for Mechanical Engineers in this area?
With a Location Quotient of 1.04 and 1.935 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand for Mechanical Engineers in Durham-Chapel Hill is slightly above the national average, indicating a healthy job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 660 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 1.935 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC