Carrollton vs Dallas: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Carrollton, TX and Dallas, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carrollton, TX | Dallas, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,417 | $108,498▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.20 | $52.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,393 | $78,765▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,430 | $89,746▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $132,720 | $136,719▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,847 | $172,020▲ |
| Total Employed | 20 | 5,600▲ |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carrollton.
The salary gap between Carrollton and Dallas is $4,081 (3.91%). Dallas's median is +1.26% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carrollton spans $92,454,Dallas spans $93,255. Dallas 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, Carrollton ($108,768 effective) pays 3.35% more than Dallas ($105,246 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carrollton if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,768)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,498/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,020)
- ✓Larger job market (5,600 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Carrollton grew -3.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in Dallas over the same period.
Carrollton, TX
$104,947 (2024) → $101,455 (2025)
Dallas, TX
$94,230 (2019) → $105,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carrollton, TX
Dallas, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Carrollton or Dallas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carrollton and Dallas?
Should I relocate from Carrollton to Dallas as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Carrollton vs Dallas?
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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