Mechanical Engineer Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $82,827 (2026)

Mechanical Engineer Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $82,827, which is $5,778 below the North Carolina state average of $88,605. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $82,827 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,310 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for mechanical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Winston-Salem spans from $54,524 at the 10th percentile to $125,732 at the 90th percentile — a $71,208 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,900, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,680. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $55,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$55,900

$-9,100 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$82,560

$-13,440 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$118,680

$-19,320 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$54,524	$58,328	$63,400
25th Percentile	$67,768	$72,496	$78,800
Median (50th)	$82,827	$88,605	$96,310
75th Percentile	$102,856	$110,032	$119,600
90th Percentile	$125,732	$134,504	$146,200

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$54,524

25th Percentile

$67,768

Median (50th)

$82,827

75th Percentile

$102,856

90th Percentile

$125,732

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Winston-Salem

Education

Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median mechanical engineer salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $82,827 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $54,524 (10th percentile) to $125,732 (90th percentile).

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $82,827, a mechanical engineer in Winston-Salem earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median mechanical engineer salary of $82,827 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $88,605. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $82,827 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most mechanical engineer positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina