Alexandria vs Roanoke: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Alexandria, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alexandria, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,595▲ | $105,143 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.31▲ | $50.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,996▲ | $79,537 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,632▲ | $85,290 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,881▲ | $110,207 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $200,872▲ | $135,597 |
| Total Employed | 26 | 280▲ |
Verdict
Alexandria, VA offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Alexandria and Roanoke is $24,452 (23.26%). Alexandria's median is +20.95% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $106,876,Roanoke spans $56,060. Alexandria has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Alexandria ($125,577 effective) pays 11.81% more than Roanoke ($112,311 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alexandria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,595/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($200,872)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,577)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Alexandria grew 8.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.9% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Alexandria, VA
$115,755 (2024) → $125,918 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$79,250 (2019) → $102,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alexandria, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Alexandria or Roanoke?
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Should I relocate from Alexandria to Roanoke as a mechanical engineer?
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov