Mechanical Engineer Salary in Franklin, NJ: $125,140 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Franklin, NJ earns a median $125,140/year (≈ $60.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Franklin's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $108,628 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Franklin, NJ can expect a median annual salary of $125,140, reflecting a competitive compensation level that surpasses the national median of $107,150 by 16.79%. The projected salary range varies significantly, offering from $89,201 at the lower end to an impressive $193,968 at the high end. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations. Mechanical engineers who obtain their Professional Engineer (PE) license, particularly in HVAC and building systems, often enhance their earning potential substantially. With an annual growth rate of 2.92% anticipated for this sector, the job market in Franklin appears promising, especially for those with specialized skills.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,201 | $42.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,386 | $48.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,140 | $60.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $158,226 | $76.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193,968 | $93.26 |
Median Salary Position
16.79% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
In Franklin, NJ, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $104,767 (2026 est.). At $125,140, the local median is 16.79% above the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Franklin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Franklin Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Franklin median: $125,140/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Franklin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $123,413 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $107,150 | +16.79% more |
Mechanical Engineers in Franklin, NJ earn a median of $125,140 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.79% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 1.40% above the New Jersey state average of $123,413.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Franklin has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Franklin, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $125,140 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $108,628 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$103,277
2025 BLS Actual
$121,590
2026 Current Est.
$125,140
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,277 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,298 | Actual |
| 2021 | $111,301 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,480 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,218 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,308 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,590 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,140 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,795 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Franklin metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $103,277 (2019) to $121,590 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,795 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,518 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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) | $89,201 – $100,386 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,386 – $125,140 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,140 – $158,226 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $158,226 – $193,968 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Franklin
The job market for mechanical engineers in Franklin is small but established, with around 15 professionals currently employed in the area. The local cost of living index stands at 115.2, indicating that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be slightly diminished compared to national averages. Industries that traditionally pay well in Franklin include automotive and aerospace, with potential employers like Tesla and Lockheed Martin offering attractive compensation packages. Pay disparities often stem from the type of industry, the necessity of a PE license in certain sectors, or the premium associated with security clearance in defense roles. To maximize earning potential, engineers should consider pursuing advanced credentials, gaining specialized experience, or seeking positions in high-paying industries such as aerospace or electric vehicle manufacturing. Understanding these dynamics will better inform decisions about career progression in Franklin’s mechanical engineering sector.
More salary data for Franklin, 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 $121,590 for mechanical engineersin the Franklin 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 Franklin 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