Bremerton vs Moses Lake: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Bremerton, WA and Moses Lake, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bremerton, WA | Moses Lake, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,749▲ | $106,776 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.21▲ | $51.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,103 | $81,958▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,527 | $89,633▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,029 | $135,471▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $150,346 | $164,859▲ |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Bremerton, WA offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Moses Lake.
The salary gap between Bremerton and Moses Lake is $5,973 (5.59%). Bremerton's median is +5.23% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bremerton spans $70,243,Moses Lake spans $82,901. Moses Lake 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, Bremerton ($106,763 effective) pays 7.39% more than Moses Lake ($99,419 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bremerton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,749/year)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,763)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Moses Lake if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,859)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Bremerton grew 25.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -15.1% growth in Moses Lake over the same period.
Bremerton, WA
$87,550 (2019) → $109,550 (2025)
Moses Lake, WA
$122,256 (2024) → $103,747 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bremerton, WA
Moses Lake, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Bremerton or Moses Lake?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bremerton and Moses Lake?
Should I relocate from Bremerton to Moses Lake as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Bremerton vs Moses Lake?
Related Comparisons
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