New York vs Syracuse: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between New York, NY and Syracuse, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New York, NY | Syracuse, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,202▲ | $108,087 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.42▲ | $51.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,842▲ | $79,392 |
| 25th Percentile | $94,872▲ | $87,894 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,062▲ | $134,341 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,828▲ | $161,471 |
| Total Employed | 6,960▲ | 620 |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Syracuse.
The salary gap between New York and Syracuse is $5,115 (4.73%). New York's median is +5.65% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New York spans $87,986,Syracuse spans $82,079. New York 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, Syracuse ($112,894 effective) pays 12.26% more than New York ($100,568 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,202/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,828)
- ✓Larger job market (6,960 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Syracuse if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,894)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in New York grew 18.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.5% growth in Syracuse over the same period.
New York, NY
$93,110 (2019) → $109,990 (2025)
Syracuse, NY
$83,700 (2019) → $105,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New York, NY
Syracuse, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: New York or Syracuse?
What is the hourly rate difference between New York and Syracuse?
Should I relocate from New York to Syracuse as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in New York vs Syracuse?
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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