Athens vs Cleveland: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Athens, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,165 | $100,059▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.79 | $48.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,823▲ | $69,111 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,484 | $81,060▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $115,483▲ | $110,073 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,316 | $139,055▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 2,300▲ |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Cleveland is $6,894 (7.40%). Cleveland's median is -6.62% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $68,493,Cleveland spans $69,944. Cleveland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($106,533 effective) pays 3.71% more than Athens ($102,718 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,059/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,055)
- ✓Larger job market (2,300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,533)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Athens grew 9.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.8% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Athens, OH
$82,473 (2024) → $90,522 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$79,840 (2019) → $97,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Athens or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Athens to Cleveland as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Athens vs Cleveland?
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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