Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| North Carolina | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $100,720 | $107,639 | -6% |
| Median hourly wage | $48.42 | $51.75 | -6% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $106,808.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh | $104,486 | $73,500 | $136,500 | 101 |
| Charlotte | $101,500 | $71,400 | $132,600 | 100 |
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineer in North Carolina is $100,720, or about $48.42 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Mechanical Engineers is $107,639. North Carolina is -6% below the national median.
Entry-level mechanical engineers in North Carolina typically earn from $73,500 depending on the city and employer.
With 9,560 mechanical engineer jobs on record and a median salary of $100,720, North Carolina offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.