Mechanical Engineer Salary in North Bergen, NJ: $119,705 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in North Bergen, NJ earns a median $119,705/year (≈ $57.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in North Bergen's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $103,911 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in North Bergen, New Jersey, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $119,705, reflecting a notable 11.72% increase compared to the national median of $107,150. The salary range for this profession is quite broad, starting at $86,384 at the 10th percentile and extending to $185,543 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, illuminating the competitive compensation environment in North Bergen that is influenced by local employers in sectors such as aerospace and automotive. The presence of disruptive companies like SpaceX and Tesla plays a significant role in shaping total compensation, often integrating equity or RSU components that elevate overall earnings far beyond typical base salaries.
About the North Bergen Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,384 | $41.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $94,199 | $45.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $119,705 | $57.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $152,147 | $73.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $185,543 | $89.20 |
Median Salary Position
11.72% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Bergen
In North Bergen, NJ, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $99,159 (2026 est.). At $119,705, the local median is 11.72% above the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Bergen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Bergen Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
North Bergen median: $119,705/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Bergen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $123,407 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | +11.72% more |
Mechanical Engineers in North Bergen, NJ earn a median of $119,705 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.72% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 3.00% below the New Jersey state average of $123,407.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Bergen has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
North Bergen, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $119,705 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $103,911 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$98,792
2025 BLS Actual
$116,309
2026 Current Est.
$119,705
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in North Bergen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,792 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,724 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,467 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,595 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,170 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,474 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,309 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,705 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $123,201 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Bergen metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $98,792 (2019) to $116,309 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $123,201 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,409 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Bergen 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) | $86,384 – $94,199 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $94,199 – $119,705 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $119,705 – $152,147 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $152,147 – $185,543 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in North Bergen
In North Bergen, only 13 mechanical engineers are currently employed, signifying a niche but focused job market for the profession. The cost-of-living index in the area sits at 115.2, which suggests that while salaries may be higher, local expenses could impact purchasing power. Employers in aerospace and automotive sectors, notably SpaceX and Tesla, often lead in compensation, driven by the demand for innovation and advanced engineering skills. The wide salary spectrum in the region can be attributed not just to industry distinctions but also to factors like the pursuit of a PE license, security clearance demands for defense-related roles, and the prevailing compensation structures that vary between individual contributor and management paths. For engineers considering opportunities in North Bergen, targeting industries that prioritize advanced qualifications and staying proactive about professional credentials will be key strategies for maximizing pay in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for North Bergen, 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 $116,309 for mechanical engineersin the North Bergen 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 North Bergen 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