Mechanical Engineer Salary in North Carolina
Based on 10K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$100,720
$48.42/hr
vs National Average
$105,416
-4.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$71K – $156K
10K employed in North Carolina
The median Mechanical Engineer salary in North Carolina is $100,720 per year, falling 4% below the national average. With 9,560 workers currently employed in this field across the state, the salary range for Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina typically spans from $71,260 to $155,550 annually.
Several factors influence a Mechanical Engineer salary in North Carolina. Experience level is a primary driver, with senior engineers commanding higher compensation. Additionally, the specific industry, company size, and geographic location within North Carolina, such as metropolitan areas versus smaller towns, can significantly impact earning potential for these professionals.
Salary Distribution — Mechanical Engineer in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $71,260 |
| 25th percentile | $82,490 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $100,720 |
| 75th percentile | $125,050 |
| 90th percentile | $155,550 |
Top H-1B Employers for Mechanical Engineer in North Carolina
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in North Carolina — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cummins Inc. | 6 | $99,286 |
| 2 | B/E Aerospace, Inc. | 4 | $105,557 |
| 3 | VOLVO GROUP NORTH AMERICA, LLC | 3 | $135,012 |
| 4 | OneH2, Inc. | 3 | $70,000 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Mechanical Engineer H-1B Salary by Wage Level in North Carolina
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in North Carolina.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $70,000 | 7 |
| Level II | Qualified | $92,872 | 23 |
| Level III | Experienced | $112,876 | 15 |
| Level IV | Senior / Expert | $127,772 | 22 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Mechanical Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Mechanical Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $175,610 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $138,030 | 1K |
| Utilities | $135,150 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $128,760 | 100 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,390 | 12K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Mechanical Engineer in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $84,330 |
| 2023 | $95,490 |
| 2024 | $100,990 |
| 2025 | $100,720 |
| 2026 (projected) | $100,720 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $84,330 | $92,043 |
| 2023 | $95,490 | $97,128 |
| 2024 | $100,990 | $102,901 |
| 2025 | $100,720 | $105,416 |
| 2026 (projected) | $100,720 | $105,416 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $82,490 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $100,720 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $125,050 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $155,550 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Mechanical Engineer Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Mechanical Engineer ($100,720 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mechanical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in NC | $167,840 | +66.6% | $80.69/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in NC | $131,850 | +30.9% | $63.39/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in NC | $122,930 | +22.1% | $59.10/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in NC | $117,410 | +16.6% | $56.45/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in NC | $110,130 | +9.3% | $52.95/hr |
| Materials Engineer in NC | $104,240 | +3.5% | $50.12/hr |
| Civil Engineer in NC | $100,730 | +0.0% | $48.43/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in NC | $99,440 | -1.3% | $47.81/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in NC | $99,310 | -1.4% | $47.75/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in NC | $94,790 | -5.9% | $45.57/hr |
| Financial Examiner in NC | $100,730 | +0.0% | $48.43/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in NC | $100,820 | +0.1% | $48.47/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Mechanical Engineer in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a Mechanical Engineer in North Carolina is $100,720 per year. This breaks down to an hourly rate of $48. This median salary is 4.5% lower than the national average.
What is the salary range for Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina?
- In North Carolina, Mechanical Engineers can expect to earn within a salary range of $71,260 to $155,550 annually. The median salary falls right in the middle of this range at $100,720 per year.
How many Mechanical Engineers are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 9,560 Mechanical Engineers employed in North Carolina. This significant number reflects the demand for these professionals across the state.
Is the salary for Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina higher or lower than the national average?
- Mechanical Engineer salaries in North Carolina are 4.5% lower than the national average. The median annual salary in the state is $100,720, compared to the national median.