Cedar City vs Provo: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Cedar City, UT and Provo, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar City, UT | Provo, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,068 | $103,291▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.56 | $49.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,570▲ | $68,761 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,072▲ | $85,959 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,354 | $130,163▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,920 | $162,562▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Provo, UT offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar City.
The salary gap between Cedar City and Provo is $223 (0.22%). Provo's median is -3.60% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar City spans $79,350,Provo spans $93,801. Provo 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, Provo ($105,150 effective) pays 0.08% more than Cedar City ($105,064 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar City if…
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Provo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,291/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,562)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,150)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Cedar City grew 8.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.3% growth in Provo over the same period.
Cedar City, UT
$91,950 (2024) → $100,144 (2025)
Provo, UT
$83,420 (2019) → $100,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Cedar City or Provo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar City and Provo?
Should I relocate from Cedar City to Provo as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Cedar City vs Provo?
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