Engineering Dover, DE Pop. 39,403

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Dover, Delaware

The median mechanical engineer salary in Dover, DE is $92,458 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.9% below the Delaware state average.

City Median
$92,458
vs State Avg
$-4,815
vs National
$-3,852
Cost of Living
96%

Mechanical Engineer Pay in Dover: What to Expect (2026)

Dover offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $92,458, which is $4,815 below the Delaware state average of $97,273. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Dover pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Dover's cost of living is 96% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Dover spans from $60,864 at the 10th percentile to $140,352 at the 90th percentile — a $79,488 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,400, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $132,480. Dover is a smaller market (pop. 39,403), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Dover by Experience

In Dover, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $62,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,400
$-2,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,160
$-3,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$132,480
$-5,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Dover, DE

Percentile Dover
10th Percentile $60,864
25th Percentile $75,648
Median (50th) $92,458
75th Percentile $114,816
90th Percentile $140,352

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Wilmington, DE
$101,126
Pop. 70,898
Newark, DE
$98,236
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$95,347
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$94,384
Pop. 22,350

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Dover

Education

Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Dover and the surrounding Delaware area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Dover may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Dover

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Dover, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Dover

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Dover, DE? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Dover, Delaware is $92,458 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $60,864 (10th percentile) to $140,352 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Dover? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $92,458, a mechanical engineer in Dover earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Dover compare to the Delaware state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Dover's median mechanical engineer salary of $92,458 is 4.9% below the Delaware state average of $97,273. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Dover, DE? ▼
Dover has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $92,458 in Dover has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Dover? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Dover require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include SolidWorks/CAD, Thermodynamics, FEA, Manufacturing. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.