Engineering Raleigh, NC Pop. 467,665

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina

The median mechanical engineer salary in Raleigh, NC is $94,384 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$94,384
vs State Avg
+$5,779
vs National
$-1,926
Cost of Living
98%

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

Raleigh offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $94,384, which is $5,779 above the North Carolina state average of $88,605. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Raleigh's cost of living is 98% 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 Raleigh spans from $62,132 at the 10th percentile to $143,276 at the 90th percentile — a $81,144 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,700, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $135,240. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Raleigh by Experience

In Raleigh, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $63,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $135,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,700
$-1,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$94,080
$-1,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$135,240
$-2,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Raleigh, NC

Percentile Raleigh
10th Percentile $62,132
25th Percentile $77,224
Median (50th) $94,384
75th Percentile $117,208
90th Percentile $143,276

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$94,384
Pop. 874,579
Durham, NC
$91,495
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$84,753
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$82,827
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Raleigh

Education

Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Raleigh may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Raleigh

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Raleigh, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Raleigh

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Raleigh, NC? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Raleigh, North Carolina is $94,384 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $62,132 (10th percentile) to $143,276 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Raleigh? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,384, a mechanical engineer in Raleigh earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Raleigh compare to the North Carolina state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Raleigh's median mechanical engineer salary of $94,384 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $88,605. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Raleigh, NC? ▼
Raleigh has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $94,384 in Raleigh has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Raleigh? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Raleigh 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.