Mechanical Engineer Salary

Cincinnati vs Reynoldsburg: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)

Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Reynoldsburg, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cincinnati, OH
$107,263
$51.57/hr
Reynoldsburg, OH
$98,101
$47.17/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCincinnati, OHReynoldsburg, OH
Median Salary$107,263$98,101
Hourly Rate$51.57$47.17
Entry Level (P10)$78,518$68,956
25th Percentile$84,353$77,895
75th Percentile$136,359$125,570
Top Earner (P90)$173,441$152,057
Total Employed3,3108
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cincinnati ($107,263) and Reynoldsburg ($98,101) mechanical engineer salaries.CincinnatiReynoldsburgMedian Salary$107,263$98,101Entry Level (P10)$78,518$68,956Top Earner (P90)$173,441$152,057US Median $107,150

Verdict

Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Reynoldsburg.

The salary gap between Cincinnati and Reynoldsburg is $9,162 (9.34%). 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 Cincinnati spans $94,923,Reynoldsburg spans $83,101. Cincinnati has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cincinnati
P10 (Entry)$78,518
P25$84,353
Median$107,263
P75$136,359
P90 (Top)$173,441
Reynoldsburg
P10 (Entry)$68,956
P25$77,895
Median$98,101
P75$125,570
P90 (Top)$152,057

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cincinnati ($112,470 effective) pays 3.99% more than Reynoldsburg ($108,160 effective).

Cincinnati
Nominal: $107,263
CoL Index: 95.37
Adjusted: $112,470
Reynoldsburg
Nominal: $98,101
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $108,160

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Reynoldsburg if…

  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Cincinnati grew 23.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in Reynoldsburg over the same period.

Cincinnati, OH

+23.9%

$84,150 (2019) → $104,220 (2025)

Reynoldsburg, OH

+9.8%

$86,844 (2024) → $95,318 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Cincinnati or Reynoldsburg?

Cincinnati has a higher median mechanical engineer salary at $107,263/year, compared to Reynoldsburg at $98,101/year — a difference of $9,162 (9.34%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Reynoldsburg?

Cincinnati mechanical engineers earn $51.57/hr while Reynoldsburg hygienists earn $47.17/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Reynoldsburg as a mechanical engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cincinnati and Reynoldsburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cincinnati = $112,470, Reynoldsburg = $108,160), job availability (3,310 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Cincinnati vs Reynoldsburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) mechanical engineers earn $78,518 in Cincinnati and $68,956 in Reynoldsburg. The Cincinnati 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