Jacksonville vs Raleigh: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Jacksonville, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,694 | $102,920▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.37 | $49.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,819▲ | $60,949 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,514 | $83,797▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $119,305 | $127,991▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,755 | $164,847▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 1,810▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jacksonville.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Raleigh is $226 (0.22%). Raleigh's median is -3.95% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jacksonville spans $56,936,Raleigh spans $103,898. Raleigh 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, Jacksonville ($111,521 effective) pays 6.36% more than Raleigh ($104,852 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,521)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,920/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,847)
- ✓Larger job market (1,810 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Jacksonville grew 35.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 12.0% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Jacksonville, NC
$73,890 (2021) → $99,780 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$89,310 (2019) → $100,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Jacksonville or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jacksonville and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Raleigh as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Jacksonville vs Raleigh?
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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