Engineering Providence, RI Pop. 190,934

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Providence, Rhode Island

The median mechanical engineer salary in Providence, RI is $104,015 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the Rhode Island state average.

City Median
$104,015
vs State Avg
+$2,889
vs National
+$7,705
Cost of Living
108%

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

Providence offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $104,015, which is $2,889 above the Rhode Island state average of $101,126. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Providence pays above average for this role.

Providence's cost of living is 108% 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 Providence spans from $68,472 at the 10th percentile to $157,896 at the 90th percentile — a $89,424 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,200, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $149,040. With a population of 190,934, Providence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Providence by Experience

In Providence, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $70,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,200
+$5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$103,680
+$7,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$149,040
+$11,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Providence, RI

Percentile Providence
10th Percentile $68,472
25th Percentile $85,104
Median (50th) $104,015
75th Percentile $129,168
90th Percentile $157,896

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Rhode Island Cities

Warwick, RI
$98,236
Pop. 82,823
Cranston, RI
$96,310
Pop. 82,934
East Providence, RI
$94,384
Pop. 47,139
Pawtucket, RI
$92,458
Pop. 75,604

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Providence

Education

Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Providence and the surrounding Rhode Island 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 Providence may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Providence

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Providence, RI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Providence

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Providence, RI? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Providence, Rhode Island is $104,015 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $68,472 (10th percentile) to $157,896 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Providence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $104,015, a mechanical engineer in Providence earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Providence compare to the Rhode Island state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Providence's median mechanical engineer salary of $104,015 is 2.9% above the Rhode Island state average of $101,126. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Providence, RI? ▼
Providence has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $104,015 in Providence has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Providence? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Providence 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.