Barre vs Bennington: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Barre, VT and Bennington, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Barre, VT | Bennington, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,701 | $106,269▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.34 | $51.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,887 | $79,744▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,077 | $87,315▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,173 | $131,795▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,340 | $157,883▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 6 |
Verdict
Bennington, VT offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Barre.
The salary gap between Barre and Bennington is $1,568 (1.50%). Bennington's median is -0.82% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Barre spans $76,453,Bennington spans $78,139. Bennington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bennington ($102,675 effective) pays 1.50% more than Barre ($101,160 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Barre if…
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Bennington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,269/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,883)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,675)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Barre grew 13.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Bennington over the same period.
Barre, VT
$89,897 (2024) → $101,730 (2025)
Bennington, VT
$91,243 (2024) → $103,254 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bennington, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Barre or Bennington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Barre and Bennington?
Should I relocate from Barre to Bennington as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Barre vs Bennington?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov