Mechanical Engineers, Washington
$126,990
Local median annual wage in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV. Middle half of earners roughly $100,800 to $160,230.
Local salary guide, May 2025, as of May 15, 2026. Cost of living index (2024). Sources stay in methodology · disclaimer.
- vs US median
- +22.0%
- US median
- $104,110
- Cost of living (108.9) Based on U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data. Scores over 100 mean a city is more expensive than the U.S. national average.
- 108.9
- Local pay range The middle 50% of earners in this city make between these amounts, based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics surveys.
- $100,800 to $160,230
- Local jobs in field Approximate number of people working in this role locally, not a count of open positions.
- 5,390
- Job code
- 17-2141
Mechanical Engineers in Washington pay a median $126,990 (May 2025), 22% above the US median of $104,110. At local prices (index 108.9), that median buys about what $116,612 buys at US-average prices.
What that pay buys
$126,990 in Washington buys about what $116,612 buys at US-average prices (cost of living index 108.9, 2024). Housing & rent index is 151.1 vs overall 108.9 (US average = 100, 2024).
Find jobs
See current openings for Mechanical Engineers in Washington.
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Mechanical Engineers in nearby metros
| Metro | Median | Local pay range | Cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $126,990 | $100,800 to $160,230 | 108.9 |
| Boston | $119,300 | $97,660 to $140,870 | 108.3 |
| San Francisco | $161,370 | $128,330 to $183,990 | 115.6 |
| Tulsa | $107,440 | $85,210 to $129,220 | 89.2 |
Local salary guide May 2025 where published for the metro.
FAQ
- What is the median salary for Mechanical Engineers in Washington?
- The median annual wage for Mechanical Engineers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $126,990 (May 2025 local salary guide).
- How does Washington pay compare to the US median for Mechanical Engineers?
- Local median pay is 22% above the national median of $104,110.
- How does cost of living change what that wage buys?
- The cost of living index for Washington is 108.9 (US average = 100, 2024). The local median of $126,990 has about the same buying power as $116,612 at US-average prices.
- How current is this data?
- Wages use the local salary guide for May 2025. Price levels use the 2024 cost of living index. See methodology for source details.
What this covers
Includes
- Cost of living index for everyday expenses (housing, groceries & goods, services)
- Local salary guide: median pay, typical pay range, and jobs in the field where published
- Target salary math so you keep the same standard of living after a move
- Approximate single-filer state income tax take-home on compare pages (see rate sources on the page)
Does not include
- Local city taxes, credits, filing-status variants, or tax advice
- Childcare, healthcare premiums, or leave benefits
- Job openings. “Local jobs in field” is how many people work in the role, not hiring demand
Technical source names (RPP, OEWS) and formulas live on the methodology page.
Local pay figures and cost of living indexes come from official government surveys. See methodology and disclaimer.