Mechanical Engineer Salary in Virginia

Mechanical Engineers in Virginia earn an average of $96,646 per year across 1 metro area. This is +3.5% lower than the national average.

Average Salary

$96,646

per year

Hourly Rate

$46.46

per hour

vs National

-3.5%

$100,140 national

Salary Range

$60,617

to $137,913

Cost of Living Adjusted Salary

Nominal Salary

$96,646

Cost of Living Index

103

100 = national average

Adjusted Salary

$93,831

purchasing power equivalent

After adjusting for Virginia's cost of living (above average), a Mechanical Engineer's salary of $96,646 has the purchasing power of $93,831 in an average-cost area.

Mechanical Engineer Salary by City in Virginia

CityMedian SalaryHourly RateEntry Level (P10)Senior (P90)Employment
Richmond, VA$96,646$46.46/hr$60,617$137,913256

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

Virginia vs National Average

Mechanical Engineer Salary Comparison

Virginia Average$96,646
National Average$100,140
Difference-$3,494 (-3.5%)

Employment in Virginia

There are approximately 256 Mechanical Engineers employed across 1 metro area in Virginia.

Key Industries: Federal Government, Defense & Military, Technology

State Income Tax: 2% - 5.75%

Mechanical Engineer Salary Range in Virginia

Entry Level (10th Percentile)

$60,617

Starting salary for new Mechanical Engineers

Median (50th Percentile)

$96,646

Mid-career Mechanical Engineer salary

Senior (90th Percentile)

$137,913

Top earners in the field

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Neighboring States

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Mechanical Engineer salary in Virginia?

The average Mechanical Engineer salary in Virginia is $96,646 per year ($46.46/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 3.5% below the national average of $100,140.

What is the highest paying city for Mechanical Engineers in Virginia?

Richmond, VA is the highest paying city for Mechanical Engineers in Virginia, with a median salary of $96,646 per year.

What is the salary range for Mechanical Engineers in Virginia?

Mechanical Engineer salaries in Virginia range from $60,617 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $137,913 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $96,646 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 Virginia. 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.