Florence vs Greenville: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Florence, SC and Greenville, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Florence, SC | Greenville, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,831▲ | $104,536 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.36▲ | $50.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,289 | $81,122▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,449 | $86,617▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $134,012 | $137,460▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,896 | $170,549▲ |
| Total Employed | 130 | 1,800▲ |
Verdict
Florence and Greenville are closely matched on overall mechanical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Florence and Greenville is $2,295 (2.20%). Florence's median is -0.30% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Florence spans $68,607,Greenville spans $89,427. Greenville 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, Florence ($123,114 effective) pays 9.83% more than Greenville ($112,091 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Florence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,831/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,114)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Greenville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,549)
- ✓Larger job market (1,800 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Florence grew 23.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.1% growth in Greenville over the same period.
Florence, SC
$84,270 (2019) → $103,800 (2025)
Greenville, SC
$88,210 (2019) → $101,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Florence, SC
Greenville, SC
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
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