Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Rocky Mount, NC
Mechanical Engineers in Rocky Mount, NC, command an average annual salary of $94,570. This figure is notably below the national average of $109,640, suggesting that local market dynamics and industry specificities in Rocky Mount influence compensation levels. Factors such as the concentration of specific industries and the overall demand within the region play a crucial role in shaping these salary expectations.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $94,570 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $126,840.
- Outlook: The mechanical engineering job market in Rocky Mount, NC, while modest in size with a local workforce of 250 professionals, shows a significant concentration relative to the national average. The Location Quotient of 2.44 indicates that mechanical engineers are more than twice as prevalent in Rocky Mount compared to the rest of the United States, suggesting a robust demand or a specialized industry presence that sustains this workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Rocky Mount, NC earns-13.7%below the national average.
$45.5
$1,819
$7,881
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Rocky Mount, NC is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Mechanical Engineers have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and increasing demand for specialized engineering skills typically drive salary increases, ensuring that compensation remains competitive and reflects the evolving value of these professionals.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Rocky Mount, NC
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Rocky Mount, NC, is strongly tied to 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 significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching well into the six figures. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the career growth and increased earning potential that comes with accumulating years of experience and mastering complex engineering challenges.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $66,400 | $31.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $70,928 | $34.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $96,380 | $46.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $118,213 | $56.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $126,840 | $61 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$94,570
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$94,570
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average nominal salary of $94,570 in Rocky Mount, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Mechanical Engineer's salary in Rocky Mount is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment where the salary effectively covers typical living expenses without significant strain or surplus compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
4.535
Per 1K Jobs
2.44
Location Quotient
Rocky Mount, NC has 2.4x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.44, Rocky Mount, NC, presents a highly concentrated market for Mechanical Engineers. This indicates a significantly higher proportion of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a strong local demand, a specialized industrial base, or a limited pool of talent that drives this concentration. While this concentration can imply job availability, it also suggests a potentially competitive environment among engineers for available roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $98,770↑ 4% | 35 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $92,890↓ 2% | 42 mi |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $106,490↑ 13% | 48 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $111,160↑ 18% | 61 mi |
| Jacksonville, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $109,250↑ 16% | 89 mi |
Comparing salaries near Rocky Mount, NC
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Rocky Mount, NC?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Rocky Mount, NC is $94,570. This typically ranges from $66,400 for entry-level positions to $126,840 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Rocky Mount, NC is 13.7% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Rocky Mount, NC a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
No, not compared to the national average.While the average salary of $94,570 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $109,640, indicating less lucrative compensation. However, the cost of living is at the national average, meaning the salary's purchasing power is equivalent.
Is Rocky Mount, NC a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Rocky Mount, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Rocky Mount, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greenville, NC ($98,770) and Goldsboro, NC.
How does the number of Mechanical Engineers in Rocky Mount compare nationally?
Rocky Mount, NC has a significantly higher concentration of Mechanical Engineers, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.44, meaning they are more than twice as prevalent as the national average.
What is the average salary for a Mechanical Engineer in Rocky Mount, NC?
The average annual salary for a Mechanical Engineer in Rocky Mount, NC, is $94,570.
How does the cost of living in Rocky Mount affect salary perception?
The cost of living in Rocky Mount is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $94,570 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national median.
What does the job market look like for Mechanical Engineers in Rocky Mount?
The market shows a strong concentration of Mechanical Engineers (LQ 2.44) within a local workforce of 250, suggesting specialized demand or a competitive environment for these roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Rocky Mount, NC area with a job density of 4.535 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 Rocky Mount, NC