Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Roanoke, VA
Mechanical Engineers in Roanoke, VA, earn an average annual salary of $96,760. This figure is notably below the national average of $109,640, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different industry focus in Roanoke influence compensation levels for this critical engineering role. Factors such as the specific industries prevalent in the region and the overall demand for specialized engineering talent contribute to this localized pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $96,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $131,130.
- Outlook: Roanoke, VA, supports a local workforce of approximately 300 Mechanical Engineers. With a Location Quotient of 1.05, the concentration of these professionals is slightly above the national average, indicating a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand within the region. The presence of 1.962 jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces that Mechanical Engineers are a recognized and consistently needed component of Roanoke's labor market.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Roanoke, VA earns-11.7%below the national average.
$46.5
$1,861
$8,063
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Mechanical Engineer salaries in Roanoke have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansions, increased project pipelines, and the ongoing need for innovative engineering solutions typically drive salary increases for skilled professionals in this field, even in localized markets.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Roanoke, VA
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Roanoke, VA, typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior engineers with extensive project management experience and specialized expertise can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles reflect the increasing value and responsibility associated with advanced career stages.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $67,200 | $32.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $72,570 | $34.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $98,920 | $47.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $120,950 | $58.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $131,130 | $63 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$96,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$96,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average Mechanical Engineer salary of $96,760 in Roanoke, VA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making Roanoke a financially neutral location in terms of cost of living relative to salary for this profession.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
1.962
Per 1K Jobs
1.05
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.05, Roanoke, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Mechanical Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.05 for Mechanical Engineers in Roanoke suggests a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy presence of these professionals, implying a competitive environment where employers have access to a good pool of talent, but also that the demand is consistent enough to support this level of concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $89,160↓ 8% | 26 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $90,510↓ 6% | 43 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $85,030↓ 12% | 78 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $108,230↑ 12% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Roanoke, VA
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Roanoke, VA?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Roanoke, VA is $96,760. This typically ranges from $67,200 for entry-level positions to $131,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Roanoke, VA is 11.7% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Roanoke, VA a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While Roanoke offers a stable job market for Mechanical Engineers with a salary matching the national cost of living, the average salary of $96,760 falls below the national average of $109,640.
Is Roanoke, VA a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Roanoke, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Roanoke, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA ($89,160) and Lynchburg, VA.
How does Roanoke's Mechanical Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Mechanical Engineers in Roanoke, VA, is $96,760, which is approximately $12,880 less than the national average of $109,640.
What is the concentration of Mechanical Engineers in Roanoke?
Roanoke has a slightly higher concentration of Mechanical Engineers than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.05.
Does the cost of living in Roanoke affect Mechanical Engineer salaries?
The cost of living in Roanoke is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the nominal salary of $96,760 provides average purchasing power.
How many Mechanical Engineers are in Roanoke?
There are approximately 300 Mechanical Engineers working in Roanoke, VA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Roanoke, VA area with a job density of 1.962 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 Roanoke, VA