Mechanical Engineer Salary in Warwick, RI: $116,936 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Warwick, RI earns a median $116,936/year (≈ $56.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Warwick's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $116,354 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.6% above the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Warwick, Rhode Island, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $116,936, surpassing the national median of $107,150 by 9.13%. The salary range varies notably, from $82,169 at the 10th percentile (P10) to $181,250 at the 90th percentile (P90). These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight Warwick's competitive positioning, especially in key industries. The presence of high-profile employers in sectors like aerospace and automotive—ranging from SpaceX to Tesla—contributes to this variability and further influences local pay structures.
About the Warwick Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,169 | $39.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $93,276 | $44.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $116,936 | $56.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,678 | $71.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $181,250 | $87.14 |
Median Salary Position
9.13% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Warwick
In Warwick, RI, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $99,081 (2026 est.). At $116,936, the local median is 9.13% above the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Warwick: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Warwick Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Warwick median: $116,936/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Warwick Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $107,676 | +8.60% more |
| National Average | $107,150 | +9.13% more |
Mechanical Engineers in Warwick, RI earn a median of $116,936 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.13% higher than the national median of $107,150 and 8.60% above the Rhode Island state average of $107,676.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Warwick has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Warwick, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $116,936 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $116,354 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$96,506
2025 BLS Actual
$113,618
2026 Current Est.
$116,936
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Warwick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,506 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,394 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,003 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,106 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,598 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,543 | Actual |
| 2025 | $113,618 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $116,936 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,350 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Warwick metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $96,506 (2019) to $113,618 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $120,350 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,844 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Warwick 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) | $82,169 – $93,276 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $93,276 – $116,936 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $116,936 – $149,678 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,678 – $181,250 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Warwick
The job market in Warwick is relatively limited, with only 16 mechanical engineers currently employed in the area, reflecting specific industry demands. The cost of living index sits slightly above the national average at 100.5, which suggests that although salaries are competitive, purchasing power may be challenged. Industries such as aerospace, led by firms like Boeing and Raytheon, tend to offer the highest compensation, influenced by the presence of security clearance requirements and equity compensation options. In contrast, automotive employers like Toyota and EV companies like Rivian provide strong salaries as well, though typically not as high as aerospace. Those seeking to maximize their mechanical engineer pay in Warwick should consider pursuing licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) to enhance their market value, specialize in high-demand sectors, and leverage any advancement opportunities in management or technical tracks.
More salary data for Warwick, 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 $113,618 for mechanical engineersin the Warwick 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 Warwick 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