Mechanical Engineer Salary in Leesburg, VA: $99,974 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Leesburg, VA earns a median $99,974/year (≈ $48.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Leesburg's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $96,874 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Leesburg, Virginia can expect a median annual salary of $99,974, reflecting a competitive local environment amid rising costs in sectors like aerospace and automotive. With a salary range stretching from $71,480 at the lower end to $154,960 for the highest earners, this compensation landscape captures the shifts in demand from major players. Companies such as SpaceX and Boeing represent the aerospace industry's stronghold, while Tesla leads the charge in the automotive sector. These salary figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, highlighting Leesburg's unique blend of engineering opportunities that respond to both traditional and emerging markets.
About the Leesburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,480 | $34.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,668 | $38.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,974 | $48.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $126,723 | $60.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $154,960 | $74.50 |
Median Salary Position
6.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Leesburg
In Leesburg, VA, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,480 (2026 est.). At $99,974, the local median is 6.7% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Leesburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Leesburg Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Leesburg median: $99,974/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Leesburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $103,279 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -6.70% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Leesburg, VA earn a median of $99,974 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.70% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 3.20% below the Virginia state average of $103,279.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Leesburg has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Leesburg, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $99,974 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $96,874 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,508
2025 BLS Actual
$97,138
2026 Current Est.
$99,974
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Leesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,508 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,122 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,918 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,860 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,846 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,906 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,138 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,974 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,894 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Leesburg metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $82,508 (2019) to $97,138 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,894 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,386 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leesburg 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) | $71,480 – $80,668 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,668 – $99,974 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,974 – $126,723 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $126,723 – $154,960 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Leesburg
When examining the job market, only 14 mechanical engineers are currently employed in Leesburg, which may influence salary dynamics and career mobility within the area. The cost of living index stands at 103.2, suggesting that while salaries may be slightly lower than the national average, higher living expenses can affect overall purchasing power. Employers who offer the most lucrative positions often include major aerospace firms and automotive companies, particularly those engaging in electric vehicles. The disparity in pay frequently reflects industry differences, the potential for obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license, and varying demands for security clearances within defense sectors. To enhance earning potential in Leesburg, mechanical engineers could consider pursuing certifications, engaging in professional networks such as ASME, and exploring management pathways, ensuring they position themselves effectively within an evolving job market.
More salary data for Leesburg, VA:
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 $97,138 for mechanical engineersin the Leesburg 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 Leesburg 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