Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in North Carolina
Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina earn an impressive average annual salary of $106,210. This figure is slightly below the national average of $109,640, but the state's robust industrial base and growing technological sectors often dictate competitive compensation for these vital professionals. Factors such as industry demand and the concentration of engineering firms play a significant role in shaping local pay scales.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $106,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $157,710.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 9,390 Mechanical Engineers, North Carolina demonstrates a significant presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 1.03 indicates that the concentration of these roles in North Carolina is slightly above the national average, suggesting a healthy and consistent demand for their expertise within the state's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina earns-3.1%below the national average.
$51.1
$2,043
$8,851
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is likely driven by increasing technological advancements, infrastructure development, and the continuous need for innovative engineering solutions across various industries within the state.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in North Carolina
The salary landscape for Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina typically shows a clear progression with experience. Entry-level positions might start in the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles, significantly exceeding the average. These percentile gaps highlight the substantial career advancement and earning potential available to dedicated engineers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $68,340 | $32.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $79,658 | $38.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $100,990 | $48.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $132,763 | $63.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $157,710 | $75.8 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$106,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$111,918
Adjusted for COL (94.9)
A nominal salary of $106,210 in North Carolina offers a strong purchasing power, especially when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 94.9. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that everyday expenses such as housing, utilities, and transportation are generally more affordable than in many other parts of the country, allowing engineers to enjoy a higher real income.
Job Market Context
9,390
Total Jobs
1.917
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, North Carolina has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Mechanical Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.03 for Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina signifies a market where the profession is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet accessible job market, indicating that while there are ample opportunities, employers are actively seeking skilled engineers, making it a favorable environment for both job seekers and established professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $108,230↑ 2% | 32 mi |
| Burlington, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $90,870↓ 14% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $94,320↓ 11% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $111,160↑ 5% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Carolina
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina is $106,210. This typically ranges from $68,340 for entry-level positions to $157,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 3.1% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
Yes, North Carolina offers a lucrative environment for Mechanical Engineers.The average salary of $106,210, combined with a cost of living below the national average, provides strong financial advantages. Furthermore, a slightly above-average concentration of these roles indicates robust demand.
Is North Carolina a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($108,230) and Burlington, NC.
How does North Carolina's Mechanical Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina is $106,210, which is slightly lower than the national average of $109,640.
What is the cost of living for Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a Cost of Living Index of 94.9, which is below the national average of 100, making it more affordable than many other states.
How concentrated is the Mechanical Engineer job market in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a Location Quotient of 1.03 for Mechanical Engineers, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
What is the total number of Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina?
There are approximately 9,390 Mechanical Engineers working in North Carolina.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,390 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 1.917 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 North Carolina