Mechanical Engineer Salary in North Carolina

Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina earn an average of $100,142 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +0.0% higher than the national average.

Average Salary

$100,142

per year

Hourly Rate

$48.14

per hour

vs National

+0.0%

$100,140 national

Salary Range

$64,800

to $144,130

Cost of Living Adjusted Salary

Nominal Salary

$100,142

Cost of Living Index

96

100 = national average

Adjusted Salary

$104,315

purchasing power equivalent

After adjusting for North Carolina's cost of living (below average), a Mechanical Engineer's salary of $100,142 has the purchasing power of $104,315 in an average-cost area.

Mechanical Engineer Salary by City in North Carolina

CityMedian SalaryHourly RateEntry Level (P10)Senior (P90)Employment
Raleigh, NC$100,691$48.41/hr$63,905$148,939281
Charlotte, NC$99,593$47.88/hr$65,694$139,321248

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).

North Carolina vs National Average

Mechanical Engineer Salary Comparison

North Carolina Average$100,142
National Average$100,140
Difference+$2 (+0.0%)

Employment in North Carolina

There are approximately 529 Mechanical Engineers employed across 2 metro areas in North Carolina.

Key Industries: Banking & Finance, Technology, Biotechnology

State Income Tax: 4.5% flat rate

Mechanical Engineer Salary Range in North Carolina

Entry Level (10th Percentile)

$64,800

Starting salary for new Mechanical Engineers

Median (50th Percentile)

$100,142

Mid-career Mechanical Engineer salary

Senior (90th Percentile)

$144,130

Top earners in the field

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Neighboring States

Compare Mechanical Engineer salaries in North Carolina with nearby states to find the best opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Mechanical Engineer salary in North Carolina?

The average Mechanical Engineer salary in North Carolina is $100,142 per year ($48.14/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 0.0% above the national average of $100,140.

What is the highest paying city for Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina?

Raleigh, NC is the highest paying city for Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina, with a median salary of $100,691 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Charlotte, NC at $99,593.

What is the salary range for Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina?

Mechanical Engineer salaries in North Carolina range from $64,800 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $144,130 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $100,142 per year.

About This Data

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within North Carolina. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.