Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
Mechanical Engineers in Winston-Salem, NC earn an average annual salary of $94,320. This figure is notably below the national average of $109,640, suggesting that local market dynamics and industry demand play a significant role in compensation within this North Carolina city. Factors such as the concentration of specific industries and the overall economic landscape contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $94,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $135,230.
- Outlook: Winston-Salem's market for Mechanical Engineers is moderately sized, with a total local workforce of 400 professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.79 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not a primary hub, the presence of 1.473 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady, albeit not booming, demand for mechanical engineering expertise.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Winston-Salem, NC earns-14.0%below the national average.
$45.4
$1,814
$7,860
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Winston-Salem is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Mechanical Engineers in the region have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion, increased project pipelines, and the ongoing need for innovative engineering solutions typically drive salary increases in specialized fields.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Winston-Salem, NC
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Winston-Salem, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior engineers with extensive project management and design expertise can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles reflect the increasing value and responsibility associated with advanced experience and specialized skills.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $54,030 | $26 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $70,740 | $34 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $87,970 | $42.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $117,900 | $56.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $135,230 | $65 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$94,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$94,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average nominal salary of $94,320 in Winston-Salem aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Mechanical Engineer's salary in Winston-Salem is equivalent to that of an engineer earning the national average in a location with a national average cost of living. Consequently, the salary offers a comparable standard of living to the national average.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
1.473
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
Winston-Salem, NC has 0.79x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.79, Winston-Salem has a slightly lower concentration of Mechanical Engineers relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and valued, it is not as densely populated as in major engineering hubs. This could imply a competitive job market for highly specialized roles, but potentially more opportunities for generalist engineers seeking to establish themselves.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $108,230↑ 15% | 23 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $94,820↑ 1% | 41 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $83,580↓ 11% | 41 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $98,060↑ 4% | 41 mi |
| Burlington, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $90,870↓ 4% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Winston-Salem, NC
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Winston-Salem, NC?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Winston-Salem, NC is $94,320. This typically ranges from $54,030 for entry-level positions to $135,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Winston-Salem, NC is 14.0% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $94,320 is below the national average of $109,640, though the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Winston-Salem, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Winston-Salem, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($108,230) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does Winston-Salem's Mechanical Engineer salary compare to the national average?
Mechanical Engineers in Winston-Salem earn an average of $94,320 annually, which is approximately $15,000 less than the national average of $109,640.
What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC for Mechanical Engineers?
The cost of living in Winston-Salem is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning your salary's purchasing power is comparable to the national average.
Is there high demand for Mechanical Engineers in Winston-Salem?
The demand is moderate, with 1.473 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.79, indicating a slightly lower concentration than the national average.
How does experience impact a Mechanical Engineer's salary in Winston-Salem?
Experience significantly influences salary, with entry-level engineers earning less and senior engineers commanding higher pay due to increased responsibility and expertise.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Winston-Salem, NC area with a job density of 1.473 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Mechanical Engineers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Winston-Salem, NC
- All Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
- Production Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
- Management Occupations Salary in Winston-Salem, NC
- Browse All Jobs in Winston-Salem, NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Mechanical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Winston-Salem, NC