Mechanical Engineer Salary in Virginia
Based on 7K+ workers in Virginia
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$104,180
$50.09/hr
vs National Average
$105,416
-1.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$78K – $161K
7K employed in Virginia
Exploring the Mechanical Engineer salary in Virginia reveals a median annual income of $104,180. This figure positions Virginia's Mechanical Engineers at 1% below the national average, with a typical earning range between $77,840 and $160,770. The state currently employs approximately 7,470 professionals in this vital field.
Several factors influence the Mechanical Engineer salary in Virginia. Experience level, specific industry sector (such as aerospace or defense), and the company's size and location within the state all play significant roles. Educational attainment, specialized certifications, and the demand for particular engineering skills can also impact an individual's earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Mechanical Engineer in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,840 |
| 25th percentile | $85,410 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $104,180 |
| 75th percentile | $131,250 |
| 90th percentile | $160,770 |
Top H-1B Employers for Mechanical Engineer in Virginia
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Virginia — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Micron Technology, Inc. | 4 | $125,126 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Mechanical Engineer H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Virginia
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Virginia.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $94,713 | 7 |
| Level II | Qualified | $119,999 | 5 |
| Level III | Experienced | $126,901 | 5 |
| Level IV | Senior / Expert | $146,744 | 5 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,060 |
| 2023 | $101,900 |
| 2024 | $99,350 |
| 2025 | $104,180 |
| 2026 (projected) | $109,245 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,060 | $92,043 |
| 2023 | $101,900 | $97,128 |
| 2024 | $99,350 | $102,901 |
| 2025 | $104,180 | $105,416 |
| 2026 (projected) | $109,245 | $110,541 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $85,410 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $104,180 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $131,250 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $160,770 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Mechanical Engineer Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Mechanical Engineer ($104,180 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mechanical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in VA | $176,160 | +69.1% | $84.69/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in VA | $143,210 | +37.5% | $68.85/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in VA | $136,380 | +30.9% | $65.57/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in VA | $128,890 | +23.7% | $61.97/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in VA | $119,030 | +14.3% | $57.23/hr |
| Materials Engineer in VA | $116,720 | +12.0% | $56.12/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in VA | $106,140 | +1.9% | $51.03/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in VA | $104,940 | +0.7% | $50.45/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in VA | $102,550 | -1.6% | $49.30/hr |
| Civil Engineer in VA | $97,120 | -6.8% | $46.69/hr |
| Financial Examiner in VA | $104,060 | -0.1% | $50.03/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in VA | $102,950 | -1.2% | $49.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Virginia?
- The median salary for a Mechanical Engineer in Virginia is $104,180 per year, which averages out to $50 per hour. This means half of Mechanical Engineers in Virginia earn more than this figure, and half earn less.
What is the typical salary range for Mechanical Engineers in Virginia?
- In Virginia, Mechanical Engineers can expect to earn within a range of $77,840 to $160,770 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and employer.
How does a Mechanical Engineer's salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
- Mechanical Engineers in Virginia earn slightly less than the national average, with salaries being 1.2% lower. The median Virginia salary of $104,180 per year is still a strong earning potential.
How many Mechanical Engineers are employed in Virginia?
- There are approximately 7,470 Mechanical Engineers employed in Virginia. This indicates a significant presence of the profession within the state's workforce.