Mechanical Engineer Salary

Bremerton vs Shoreline: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)

Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Bremerton, WA and Shoreline, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bremerton, WA
$112,749
$54.21/hr
Shoreline, WA
$111,021
$53.37/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBremerton, WAShoreline, WA
Median Salary$112,749$111,021
Hourly Rate$54.21$53.37
Entry Level (P10)$80,103$77,203
25th Percentile$85,527$87,610
75th Percentile$130,029$141,184
Top Earner (P90)$150,346$172,082
Total Employed7508
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bremerton ($112,749) and Shoreline ($111,021) mechanical engineer salaries.BremertonShorelineMedian Salary$112,749$111,021Entry Level (P10)$80,103$77,203Top Earner (P90)$150,346$172,082US Median $107,150

Verdict

Bremerton, WA offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Shoreline.

The salary gap between Bremerton and Shoreline is $1,728 (1.56%). 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,Shoreline spans $94,879. Shoreline has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.

Bremerton
P10 (Entry)$80,103
P25$85,527
Median$112,749
P75$130,029
P90 (Top)$150,346
Shoreline
P10 (Entry)$77,203
P25$87,610
Median$111,021
P75$141,184
P90 (Top)$172,082

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bremerton ($106,763 effective) pays 3.28% more than Shoreline ($103,372 effective).

Bremerton
Nominal: $112,749
CoL Index: 105.607
Adjusted: $106,763
Shoreline
Nominal: $111,021
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $103,372

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 Shoreline if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($172,082)
  • 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 Shoreline over the same period.

Bremerton, WA

+25.1%

$87,550 (2019) → $109,550 (2025)

Shoreline, WA

+-15.1%

$127,116 (2024) → $107,871 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Bremerton or Shoreline?

Bremerton has a higher median mechanical engineer salary at $112,749/year, compared to Shoreline at $111,021/year — a difference of $1,728 (1.56%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bremerton and Shoreline?

Bremerton mechanical engineers earn $54.21/hr while Shoreline hygienists earn $53.37/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bremerton to Shoreline as a mechanical engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bremerton and Shoreline. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bremerton = $106,763, Shoreline = $103,372), job availability (750 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Bremerton vs Shoreline?

Entry-level (10th percentile) mechanical engineers earn $80,103 in Bremerton and $77,203 in Shoreline. The Bremerton area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Robinson, PhDData verified by Lina Zhang, MS

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