Engineering Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median mechanical engineer salary in Chesapeake, VA is $94,384 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$94,384
vs State Avg
$-5,778
vs National
$-1,926
Cost of Living
98%

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

Chesapeake offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $94,384, which is $5,778 below the Virginia state average of $100,162. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Chesapeake'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 Chesapeake 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 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
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 Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$127,129
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$98,236
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$96,310
Pop. 226,610
Norfolk, VA
$92,458
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Chesapeake

Education

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

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Chesapeake, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Chesapeake, Virginia 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 Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,384, a mechanical engineer in Chesapeake earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median mechanical engineer salary of $94,384 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $100,162. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $94,384 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Chesapeake? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Chesapeake 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.