Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Wilmington, NC
The average salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Wilmington, NC is $108,560. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $108,560 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $169,300.
- Outlook: The current demand for Mechanical Engineerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 180 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Wilmington, NC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Wilmington, NC earns-1.0%below the national average.
$52.2
$2,088
$9,047
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Mechanical Engineers salaries in Wilmington, NC have shown healthy growth of 14.4%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
The earning potential for Mechanical Engineerss in Wilmington, NC varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $71,470, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $169,300.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $71,470 | $34.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $81,420 | $39.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $100,340 | $48.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $135,700 | $65.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $169,300 | $81.4 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$108,560
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$108,560
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Wilmington, NC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $108,560 to $108,560.
Job Market Context
180
Total Jobs
0.95
Per 1K Jobs
0.51
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC has 0.51x 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.
180 people work as Mechanical Engineers in Wilmington, NC.
Only 0.95 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Mechanical Engineers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $109,250↑ 1% | 46 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $92,890↓ 14% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $96,030↓ 12% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $98,770↓ 9% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Wilmington, NC is $108,560. This typically ranges from $71,470 for entry-level positions to $169,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 1.0% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place for Mechanical Engineerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Mechanical Engineers salary in Wilmington, NC is $108,560 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Wilmington, NC. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($109,250) and Goldsboro, NC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 180 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 0.95 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 Wilmington, NC