North Carolina ranks 24th of 51 states and D.C. for mechanical engineers pay, trailing top-paying New Mexico ($141,490) by $40,500 — a 40% gap.
North Carolina employs roughly 3.3% of all mechanical engineers in the country (9,390 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $68,340 | $32.86 |
| 25th percentile | $82,110 | $39.48 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $100,990 | $48.55 |
| 75th percentile | $124,940 | $60.07 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $157,710 | $75.82 |
| Mean (average) | $106,210 | $51.06 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $100,990 | n/a |
| New Mexico | $141,490 | +40% |
| District of Columbia | $130,000 | +29% |
| Alaska | $129,990 | +29% |
| California | $126,370 | +25% |
| Massachusetts | $122,670 | +21% |
| Wyoming | $116,910 | +16% |
| Rhode Island | $115,270 | +14% |
| Louisiana | $114,050 | +13% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Services Managers | $101,270 | 7,490 |
| Operations Research Analysts | $100,630 | 2,520 |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $100,490 | 6,480 |
| Education Administrators, Postsecondary | $99,910 | 6,860 |
| Facilities Managers | $102,120 | 4,040 |
| Financial and Investment Analysts | $102,220 | 10,330 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mechanical Engineers salary in North Carolina?
The mean mechanical engineers salary in North Carolina is $106,210 per year. The median (middle) salary is $100,990 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina?
Entry-level mechanical engineerss (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $68,340 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $82,110 per year.
What is the highest Mechanical Engineers salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $157,710 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $124,940 per year.
How does the North Carolina Mechanical Engineers salary compare to the national average?
The median mechanical engineers salary in North Carolina is $100,990, which is -1% below national average of $102,320.