Mechanical Engineer Salary in Cherry Hill, NJ: $119,920 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Cherry Hill, NJ earns a median $119,920/year (≈ $57.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Cherry Hill's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $104,097 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, are projected to earn a median salary of $119,920, which reflects a competitive rate compared to the national median of $107,150, marking a notable local premium. Salaries for this profession in the area range significantly from $86,385 at the 10th percentile to $185,877 at the 90th percentile. These projections are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and incorporate local cost-of-living adjustments. With the demand for engineers skilled in HVAC and building systems increasing, particularly for those who obtain their Professional Engineer (PE) license, the Cherry Hill job market poses promising opportunities for skilled individuals looking to capitalize on their credentials.
About the Cherry Hill Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,385 | $41.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,246 | $46.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $119,920 | $57.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $152,489 | $73.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $185,877 | $89.37 |
Median Salary Position
11.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cherry Hill
In Cherry Hill, NJ, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $99,492 (2026 est.). At $119,920, the local median is 11.92% above the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cherry Hill: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cherry Hill Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Cherry Hill median: $119,920/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cherry Hill Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $123,375 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | +11.92% more |
Mechanical Engineers in Cherry Hill, NJ earn a median of $119,920 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.92% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 2.80% below the New Jersey state average of $123,375.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cherry Hill has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cherry Hill, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $119,920 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $104,097 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$98,969
2025 BLS Actual
$116,518
2026 Current Est.
$119,920
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Cherry Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,969 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,905 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,658 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,788 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,705 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,518 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,920 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $123,422 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cherry Hill metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $98,969 (2019) to $116,518 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $123,422 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,453 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cherry Hill 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $86,385 – $97,246 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,246 – $119,920 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $119,920 – $152,489 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $152,489 – $185,877 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Cherry Hill
An analysis of the local market reveals that only 11 mechanical engineers are currently employed in Cherry Hill, highlighting a niche yet potentially lucrative job pool. With a cost of living index of 115.2, the take-home pay for these professionals may not stretch as far as in less expensive areas, making the prospect of securing higher salaries essential. Industries that tend to pay the most include automotive giants such as Tesla and Rivian, as well as aerospace firms like Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The disparity between lower and higher-paying roles can often be attributed to the industry, with aerospace and new-space companies like SpaceX leading in compensation compared to traditional automotive or consumer product sectors. Obtaining a PE license particularly enhances pay in HVAC contexts, driven by a consistent demand for licensed engineers. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in Cherry Hill, strategic moves such as gaining relevant industry certifications or pursuing management track roles can significantly influence income potential.
More salary data for Cherry Hill, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $116,518 for mechanical engineersin the Cherry Hill metropolitan area. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cherry Hill is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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