Mechanical Engineer Salary in Norfolk, VA: $104,748 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Norfolk, VA earns a median $104,748/year (≈ $50.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $101,500 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Norfolk, Virginia, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $104,748, reflecting a competitive local market in comparison to the national median of $107,150. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with the lower 10% earning around $69,245, while the top 10% can make as much as $162,359. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, suggest that mechanical engineering roles in Norfolk are influenced by high-demand sectors, particularly those like aerospace and automotive, where equity and stock options at companies such as SpaceX and Tesla elevate total compensation beyond base salaries. The job market's strength in this area also hints at growth opportunities for engineers engaged in innovative fields.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,245 | $33.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,883 | $38.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,748 | $50.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $134,077 | $64.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $162,359 | $78.05 |
Median Salary Position
2.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, VA, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $93,114 (2026 est.). At $104,748, the local median is 2.24% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $104,748/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $103,302 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $107,150 | -2.24% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Norfolk, VA earn a median of $104,748 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.24% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 1.40% above the Virginia state average of $103,302.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norfolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $104,748 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $101,500 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$86,448
2025 BLS Actual
$101,776
2026 Current Est.
$104,748
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,448 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,139 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,164 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,151 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,279 | Actual |
| 2024 | $120,828 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,776 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,748 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,806 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $86,448 (2019) to $101,776 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,806 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,358 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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) | $69,245 – $80,883 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,883 – $104,748 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,748 – $134,077 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $134,077 – $162,359 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Norfolk
At present, Norfolk employs 54 mechanical engineers, showcasing a niche but vital presence in the local economy. The cost of living index for Norfolk is slightly above the national average at 103.2, which impacts take-home pay and purchasing power. Employers in high-paying sectors include defense contractors such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin, alongside automotive giants like Ford and Rivian, driving competitive salaries. Factors contributing to the wide salary range include industry demand, with aerospace roles generally offering the most lucrative packages, as well as qualifications such as the PE licensure, which is especially advantageous in HVAC and building systems roles. Engineering professionals pursuing career advancement should consider seeking positions that involve management responsibilities or obtaining security clearances, as these can lead to heightened salary potentials in Norfolk VA.
More salary data for Norfolk, 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 $101,776 for mechanical engineersin the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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