Cleveland vs Memphis: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Cleveland, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,548 | $107,150▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.90 | $51.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,936▲ | $72,692 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,192 | $84,230▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $124,860 | $126,334▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,199 | $154,792▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 390▲ |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Memphis is $9,602 (9.84%). Memphis's median is +0.00% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $77,263,Memphis spans $82,100. Memphis 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, Memphis ($116,241 effective) pays 9.39% more than Cleveland ($106,261 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,150/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($154,792)
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,241)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Cleveland grew 14.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 31.3% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Cleveland, TN
$82,750 (2020) → $94,780 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$79,270 (2019) → $104,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Cleveland or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Memphis as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Cleveland vs Memphis?
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