Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Mechanical Engineers in Raleigh-Cary, NC, command an impressive average annual salary of $106,490. This figure is slightly below the national average of $109,640, suggesting a nuanced local market. Factors such as the region's specific industry demands and the concentration of engineering firms likely influence this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $106,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $155,460.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,270 Mechanical Engineers and a Location Quotient of 0.94, Raleigh-Cary presents a robust, albeit slightly below-national-average concentration of these professionals. This indicates a stable demand for mechanical engineering talent, with the job market being nearly as saturated as the national landscape, suggesting consistent opportunities for skilled individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Raleigh-Cary, NC earns-2.9%below the national average.
$51.2
$2,048
$8,874
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that Mechanical Engineer salaries in Raleigh-Cary have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion and increasing demand for engineering expertise typically drive upward salary adjustments, ensuring that compensation remains competitive within the evolving job market.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Raleigh-Cary, NC
The career trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Raleigh-Cary, NC, shows significant salary progression with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior engineers with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $65,180 | $31.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $79,868 | $38.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $102,750 | $49.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $133,113 | $64 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $155,460 | $74.7 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$106,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$106,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
For Mechanical Engineers considering a move to Raleigh-Cary, NC, the average salary of $106,490 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an engineer's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial outlook without the pressure of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,270
Total Jobs
1.749
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Raleigh-Cary, NC has 0.94x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.94 for Mechanical Engineers in Raleigh-Cary, NC, indicates a job market that is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. While not exceeding the national benchmark, this figure suggests a healthy and competitive environment where opportunities exist, but the talent pool is also substantial, requiring professionals to maintain a strong skill set.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $111,160↑ 4% | 18 mi |
| Rocky Mount, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $94,570↓ 11% | 48 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $92,890↓ 13% | 49 mi |
| Burlington, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $90,870↓ 15% | 49 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $96,030↓ 10% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Raleigh-Cary, NC
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $106,490. This typically ranges from $65,180 for entry-level positions to $155,460 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 2.9% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineerss?
Yes, Raleigh-Cary, NC offers a lucrative environment for Mechanical Engineers.The average salary of $106,490 is competitive, and the Cost of Living Index of 100 means your earnings have strong purchasing power.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Raleigh-Cary, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($111,160) and Rocky Mount, NC.
How does the Raleigh-Cary Mechanical Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Mechanical Engineers in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $106,490, which is slightly lower than the national average of $109,640.
What is the concentration of Mechanical Engineers in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
Raleigh-Cary, NC has a Location Quotient of 0.94 for Mechanical Engineers, indicating a concentration that is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Raleigh-Cary, NC affect salary expectations?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the same as the national average, the $106,490 salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.
What does the job market look like for Mechanical Engineers in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The market is stable with 1,270 Mechanical Engineers employed locally and a concentration nearly matching the national average, suggesting consistent demand and a competitive environment.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,270 employees in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area with a job density of 1.749 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 Raleigh-Cary, NC