Engineering Norfolk, VA Pop. 238,005

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Norfolk, Virginia

The median mechanical engineer salary in Norfolk, VA is $92,458 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 7.7% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$92,458
vs State Avg
$-7,704
vs National
$-3,852
Cost of Living
96%

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

Norfolk offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $92,458, which is $7,704 below the Virginia state average of $100,162. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Norfolk pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Norfolk'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 Norfolk 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. With a population of 238,005, Norfolk is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Norfolk by Experience

In Norfolk, 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 Norfolk, VA

Percentile Norfolk
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 Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$127,129
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$98,236
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$96,310
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$94,384
Pop. 249,422

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Norfolk

Education

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

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Norfolk

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Norfolk, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Norfolk

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Norfolk, VA? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Norfolk, Virginia 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 Norfolk? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $92,458, a mechanical engineer in Norfolk earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Norfolk compare to the Virginia state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Norfolk's median mechanical engineer salary of $92,458 is 7.7% below the Virginia state average of $100,162. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Norfolk, VA? ▼
Norfolk has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $92,458 in Norfolk has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Norfolk? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Norfolk 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.