Engineering Vancouver, WA Pop. 190,915

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Vancouver, Washington

The median mechanical engineer salary in Vancouver, WA is $98,236 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 11.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$98,236
vs State Avg
$-12,520
vs National
+$1,926
Cost of Living
102%

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

Vancouver offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $98,236, which is $12,520 below the Washington state average of $110,756. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Vancouver pays above average for this role.

Vancouver's cost of living is 102% 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 Vancouver spans from $64,668 at the 10th percentile to $149,124 at the 90th percentile — a $84,456 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,300, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $140,760. With a population of 190,915, Vancouver is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Vancouver by Experience

In Vancouver, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $66,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,300
+$1,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,920
+$1,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$140,760
+$2,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Vancouver, WA

Percentile Vancouver
10th Percentile $64,668
25th Percentile $80,376
Median (50th) $98,236
75th Percentile $121,992
90th Percentile $149,124

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$146,391
Pop. 151,854
Seattle, WA
$142,539
Pop. 737,015
Tacoma, WA
$105,941
Pop. 219,346
Spokane, WA
$88,605
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Vancouver

Education

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

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Vancouver

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Vancouver, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Vancouver

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Vancouver, WA? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Vancouver, Washington is $98,236 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $64,668 (10th percentile) to $149,124 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Vancouver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $98,236, a mechanical engineer in Vancouver earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Vancouver compare to the Washington state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Vancouver's median mechanical engineer salary of $98,236 is 11.3% below the Washington state average of $110,756. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Vancouver, WA? ▼
Vancouver has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $98,236 in Vancouver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Vancouver? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Vancouver 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.