Kennewick vs Moses Lake: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Kennewick, WA and Moses Lake, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Moses Lake, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,424▲ | $106,776 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.74▲ | $51.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,333▲ | $81,958 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,796▲ | $89,633 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,442▲ | $135,471 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,851▲ | $164,859 |
| Total Employed | 570▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Moses Lake.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Moses Lake is $21,648 (20.27%). Kennewick's median is +19.85% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $96,518,Moses Lake spans $82,901. Kennewick has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kennewick ($128,323 effective) pays 29.07% more than Moses Lake ($99,419 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,424/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($180,851)
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,323)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Moses Lake if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Kennewick grew 18.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -15.1% growth in Moses Lake over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$105,160 (2019) → $124,780 (2025)
Moses Lake, WA
$122,256 (2024) → $103,747 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Moses Lake, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Kennewick or Moses Lake?
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Should I relocate from Kennewick to Moses Lake as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Kennewick vs Moses Lake?
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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