Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Virginia Beach, VA: $49.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Virginia Beach, VA runs $49.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,208 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Virginia Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.9, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,923 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Virginia Beach, a mechanical engineer earns a median hourly rate of $49.62, which is slightly below the national median of $51.51. This hourly pay reflects the diverse working environments where mechanical engineers typically operate, including advanced tech firms, aerospace companies, and manufacturing plants. For part-time engineers working three days a week, the compensation can provide a solid income, especially in roles that require expertise with CAD software like SolidWorks, NX, or CATIA. The hourly rates can significantly vary, from approximately $38.36 for entry-level positions to $67.07 for top earners, making the profession financially attractive compared to many other fields in the region. Such data originates from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, underscoring both growth potential and the competitive nature of this occupation within Virginia Beach.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.36 | $306.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.59 | $316.75 |
| Median (P50) | $49.62 | $396.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.96 | $487.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.07 | $536.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Virginia Beach
Based on $49.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.62/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Virginia Beach, VA can expect to earn approximately $103,205 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,541. With a cost-of-living index of 97.94 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Virginia Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Virginia Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,984.71 | $8,600 | $103,205 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,190.83 | $5,160 | $61,923 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $793.88 | $3,440 | $41,282 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Virginia Beach) | $49.62 |
| Civil Engineer (National Avg) | $47.06 |
| Electrical Engineer (National Avg) | $54.18 |
| Industrial Engineer (National Avg) | $47.50 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
Mechanical Engineers in Virginia Beach, VA earn a median of $103,208 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.68% lower than the national median of $107,150.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.62/hr = $61,923/year (purchasing power: $63,225).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,205/year (purchasing power: $105,375).
CoL index: 97.941 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Virginia Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Virginia Beach grew 14.9% from $41.94/hr (2019) to $48.21/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.07/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem mechanical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Virginia Beach metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.92% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Mechanical Engineer in Virginia Beach
Calculating part-time earnings for a mechanical engineer in Virginia Beach reveals that an employee working 24 hours a week could generate a substantial income, albeit lower than a full-time peer. When considering per-diem work, contract engineers could see billing rates ranging from $90 to $160 per hour, with specialized professionals in HVAC earning up to $180 and aerospace engineers charging significantly more, particularly in security-cleared roles where rates can reach between $120 and $220. These variations across employer types illustrate the nuanced pay dynamics within the mechanical engineering field, particularly with notable companies in automotive and aerospace sectors like Tesla, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin. While higher hourly rates may attract freelancers, many choose stability through full-time positions, balancing lower hourly pay against benefits like healthcare and retirement. For hourly workers, negotiation becomes essential. Understanding the demand in Virginia Beach allows engineers to advocate for their worth effectively, especially as they weigh the merits of different employment options in their career progression.
More salary data for Virginia Beach, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Virginia Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time mechanical engineers make in Virginia Beach?
Are mechanical engineers in Virginia Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time mechanical engineer make per year in Virginia Beach?
Do mechanical engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Virginia Beach?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for mechanical engineers in Virginia Beach. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov