Roanoke vs Winchester: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Roanoke, VA and Winchester, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Winchester, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,143▲ | $103,311 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.55▲ | $49.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,537▲ | $52,654 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,290▲ | $60,774 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,207 | $135,463▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,597 | $161,327▲ |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Winchester.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Winchester is $1,832 (1.77%). Roanoke's median is -1.87% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $56,060,Winchester spans $108,673. Winchester 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, Roanoke ($112,311 effective) pays 4.85% more than Winchester ($107,114 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,143/year)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,311)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Winchester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,327)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Roanoke grew 28.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.1% growth in Winchester over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$79,250 (2019) → $102,160 (2025)
Winchester, VA
$112,910 (2019) → $100,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Winchester, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Roanoke or Winchester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Winchester?
Should I relocate from Roanoke to Winchester as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Roanoke vs Winchester?
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