Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA
Mechanical Engineers in Kennewick-Richland, WA, command an impressive average annual salary of $128,810, significantly surpassing the national average of $109,640. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the specialized demands of the region's industries and a potentially concentrated need for skilled engineering talent.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $128,810 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $173,010.
- Outlook: The Kennewick-Richland area presents a robust job market for Mechanical Engineers, evidenced by a local workforce of 710 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 3, indicating a concentration three times higher than the national average, demand for these specialized skills appears to be substantial and well-established within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Kennewick-Richland, WA earns+17.5%above the national average.
$61.9
$2,477
$10,734
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Mechanical Engineer salaries in Kennewick-Richland have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for advanced engineering solutions, and the development of new projects likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Kennewick-Richland, WA
Career progression for Mechanical Engineers in Kennewick-Richland is clearly reflected in salary potential. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized expertise can command salaries in the upper percentiles, signifying significant earning potential as one advances through their career.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $82,240 | $39.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $96,608 | $46.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $120,260 | $57.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $161,013 | $77.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $173,010 | $83.2 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$128,810
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$128,810
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $128,810 in Kennewick-Richland, WA, is highly competitive, especially considering the local Cost of Living Index stands precisely at the national average of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Mechanical Engineer's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, making the nominal salary translate directly into a comparable standard of living.
Job Market Context
710
Total Jobs
5.576
Per 1K Jobs
3
Location Quotient
Kennewick-Richland, WA has 3.0x the national concentration of Mechanical Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 3 for Mechanical Engineers in Kennewick-Richland signifies a pronounced concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially competitive job market where employers may actively seek out specialized talent, and the demand for Mechanical Engineering services is notably higher than in many other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Walla Walla, WA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $101,250↓ 21% | 41 mi |
| Yakima, WA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $94,430↓ 27% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kennewick-Richland, WA
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Kennewick-Richland, WA?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Kennewick-Richland, WA is $128,810. This typically ranges from $82,240 for entry-level positions to $173,010 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 17.5% higher than the national median of $109,640.
Is Kennewick-Richland, WA a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
Yes, Kennewick-Richland, WA is a lucrative location for Mechanical Engineers.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national index, offering strong purchasing power.
Is Kennewick-Richland, WA a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kennewick-Richland, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Walla Walla, WA ($101,250) and Yakima, WA.
How does the Kennewick-Richland Mechanical Engineer salary compare to the national average?
Mechanical Engineers in Kennewick-Richland earn an average of $128,810 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $109,640.
What is the concentration of Mechanical Engineers in Kennewick-Richland?
The Location Quotient for Mechanical Engineers in Kennewick-Richland is 3, indicating that the area has three times the concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Kennewick-Richland affect salary value?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $128,810 salary in Kennewick-Richland offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.
What does the total local workforce size suggest about job opportunities?
A local workforce of 710 Mechanical Engineers suggests a substantial presence and ongoing demand for these roles within the Kennewick-Richland area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 710 employees in the Kennewick-Richland, WA area with a job density of 5.576 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 Kennewick-Richland, WA