Cleveland vs Wooster: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Cleveland, OH and Wooster, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Wooster, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,059▲ | $97,167 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.10▲ | $46.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,111 | $74,775▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,060 | $81,936▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $110,073 | $119,915▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,055 | $150,609▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,300▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wooster.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Wooster is $2,892 (2.98%). Cleveland's median is -6.62% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $69,944,Wooster spans $75,834. Wooster 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, Wooster ($107,130 effective) pays 0.56% more than Cleveland ($106,533 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,059/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Wooster if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($150,609)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,130)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Cleveland grew 21.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in Wooster over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$79,840 (2019) → $97,220 (2025)
Wooster, OH
$86,016 (2024) → $94,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Wooster, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Cleveland or Wooster?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Wooster?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Wooster as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Cleveland vs Wooster?
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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
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