Cleveland vs Toledo: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Cleveland, OH and Toledo, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Toledo, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,059▲ | $97,949 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.10▲ | $47.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,111▲ | $64,222 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,060▲ | $80,154 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,073 | $111,678▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,055▲ | $138,777 |
| Total Employed | 2,300▲ | 620 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Toledo.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Toledo is $2,110 (2.15%). Cleveland's median is -6.62% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $69,944,Toledo spans $74,555. Toledo 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, Toledo ($107,101 effective) pays 0.53% more than Cleveland ($106,533 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,059/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,055)
- ✓Larger job market (2,300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Toledo if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,101)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Cleveland grew 21.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.7% growth in Toledo over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$79,840 (2019) → $97,220 (2025)
Toledo, OH
$76,940 (2019) → $95,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Toledo, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Cleveland or Toledo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Toledo?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Toledo as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Cleveland vs Toledo?
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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