Mechanical Engineer Salary in North Providence, RI: $103,315 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in North Providence, RI earns a median $103,315/year (≈ $49.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in North Providence's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $102,801 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in North Providence, Rhode Island, can expect a median annual salary of $103,315, reflecting a competitive market aligned with the aerospace and automotive sectors that dominate the region’s engineering landscape. The salary range for mechanical engineers varies significantly, from $78,484 at the 10th percentile to $158,682 at the 90th percentile, indicating substantial earning potential based on experience and industry specialization. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for local cost of living, underscore the impact of prominent companies in aerospace such as SpaceX and Boeing, which drive higher compensation compared to the traditional automotive sector represented by Tesla and the Detroit Big Three. North Providence presents opportunities for engineers skilled in high-demand areas, showcasing the region’s potential for salary growth.
About the North Providence Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,484 | $37.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,043 | $41.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,315 | $49.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $130,337 | $62.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $158,682 | $76.29 |
Median Salary Position
3.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Providence
In North Providence, RI, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $80,198 (2026 est.). At $103,315, the local median is 3.58% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Providence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Providence Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
North Providence median: $103,315/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Providence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $107,732 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -3.58% less |
Mechanical Engineers in North Providence, RI earn a median of $103,315 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.58% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 4.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $107,732.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Providence has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
North Providence, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $103,315 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $102,801 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,265
2025 BLS Actual
$100,384
2026 Current Est.
$103,315
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in North Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,265 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,933 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,889 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,863 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,949 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,349 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,384 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,315 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,332 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Providence metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $85,265 (2019) to $100,384 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,332 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,067 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Providence 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) | $78,484 – $86,043 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,043 – $103,315 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,315 – $130,337 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $130,337 – $158,682 |
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 Providence
Regarding the local job market, North Providence employs six mechanical engineers, reflecting a concentrated yet stable work environment. With a cost-of-living index of 100.5, compensation must account for housing and daily expenses, slightly above the national average. Areas like aerospace and automotive provide the best pay prospects, with employers such as SpaceX and Tesla typically offering premiums that can enhance overall mechanical engineer pay in North Providence, RI. The wide salary range is influenced by various factors, including industry focus, the necessity of security clearance in defense roles, and the potential for higher salaries through Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, particularly in HVAC and building systems. Engineers seeking to maximize their pay should consider advancing their credentials, engaging with professional organizations like ASME, and targeting sectors that offer stock options or equity, allowing for long-term financial growth.
More salary data for North Providence, RI:
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 $100,384 for mechanical engineersin the North Providence 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 Providence 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