Chillicothe vs Cincinnati: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Chillicothe, OH and Cincinnati, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chillicothe, OH | Cincinnati, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,539 | $107,263▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.45 | $51.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,673 | $78,518▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,450 | $84,353▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $118,788 | $136,359▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,945 | $173,441▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 3,310▲ |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chillicothe.
The salary gap between Chillicothe and Cincinnati is $12,724 (13.46%). Cincinnati's median is +0.11% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chillicothe spans $75,272,Cincinnati spans $94,923. Cincinnati 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, Cincinnati ($112,470 effective) pays 7.90% more than Chillicothe ($104,233 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chillicothe if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,263/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($173,441)
- ✓Larger job market (3,310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,470)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Chillicothe grew 9.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.9% growth in Cincinnati over the same period.
Chillicothe, OH
$83,690 (2024) → $91,857 (2025)
Cincinnati, OH
$84,150 (2019) → $104,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chillicothe, OH
Cincinnati, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Chillicothe or Cincinnati?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chillicothe and Cincinnati?
Should I relocate from Chillicothe to Cincinnati as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Chillicothe vs Cincinnati?
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