Warwick vs West Warwick: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Warwick, RI and West Warwick, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Warwick, RI | West Warwick, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,936▲ | $106,457 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.21▲ | $51.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,169▲ | $77,261 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,276▲ | $86,076 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,678▲ | $131,834 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,250▲ | $159,064 |
| Total Employed | 16▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Warwick, RI offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Warwick.
The salary gap between Warwick and West Warwick is $10,479 (9.84%). Warwick's median is +9.13% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Warwick spans $99,081,West Warwick spans $81,803. Warwick 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, Warwick ($116,354 effective) pays 9.84% more than West Warwick ($105,927 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Warwick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,936/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($181,250)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,354)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose West Warwick if…
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Warwick grew 9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.1% growth in West Warwick over the same period.
Warwick, RI
$103,543 (2024) → $113,618 (2025)
West Warwick, RI
$101,340 (2024) → $103,437 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Warwick, RI
West Warwick, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Warwick or West Warwick?
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Should I relocate from Warwick to West Warwick as a mechanical engineer?
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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