Bennington vs Colchester: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Bennington, VT and Colchester, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bennington, VT | Colchester, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,269▲ | $102,658 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.09▲ | $49.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,744▲ | $79,271 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,315▲ | $86,299 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,795▲ | $129,151 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,883▲ | $155,482 |
| Total Employed | 6▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Bennington, VT offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Colchester.
The salary gap between Bennington and Colchester is $3,611 (3.52%). Bennington's median is -0.82% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bennington spans $78,139,Colchester spans $76,211. Bennington 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, Bennington ($102,675 effective) pays 3.52% more than Colchester ($99,186 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bennington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,269/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,883)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,675)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Colchester if…
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Bennington grew 13.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Colchester over the same period.
Bennington, VT
$91,243 (2024) → $103,254 (2025)
Colchester, VT
$88,143 (2024) → $99,745 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bennington, VT
Colchester, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Bennington or Colchester?
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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