Mechanical Engineer Salary

Moore vs Tulsa: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)

Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Moore, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Moore, OK
$95,250
$45.79/hr
Tulsa, OK
$110,577
$53.16/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMoore, OKTulsa, OK
Median Salary$95,250$110,577
Hourly Rate$45.79$53.16
Entry Level (P10)$65,371$72,775
25th Percentile$74,808$87,698
75th Percentile$120,771$132,993
Top Earner (P90)$147,638$144,613
Total Employed81,060
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Moore ($95,250) and Tulsa ($110,577) mechanical engineer salaries.MooreTulsaMedian Salary$95,250$110,577Entry Level (P10)$65,371$72,775Top Earner (P90)$147,638$144,613US Median $107,150

Verdict

Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Moore.

The salary gap between Moore and Tulsa is $15,327 (16.09%). Tulsa's median is +3.20% compared to the US national median of $107,150.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Moore spans $82,267,Tulsa spans $71,838. Moore has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Moore
P10 (Entry)$65,371
P25$74,808
Median$95,250
P75$120,771
P90 (Top)$147,638
Tulsa
P10 (Entry)$72,775
P25$87,698
Median$110,577
P75$132,993
P90 (Top)$144,613

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tulsa ($123,946 effective) pays 15.68% more than Moore ($107,143 effective).

Moore
Nominal: $95,250
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $107,143
Tulsa
Nominal: $110,577
CoL Index: 89.214
Adjusted: $123,946

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Moore if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($147,638)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Choose Tulsa if…

  • Higher median salary ($110,577/year)
  • Larger job market (1,060 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,946)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Moore grew 13.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.8% growth in Tulsa over the same period.

Moore, OK

+13.2%

$81,783 (2024) → $92,548 (2025)

Tulsa, OK

+15.8%

$92,780 (2019) → $107,440 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Moore or Tulsa?

Tulsa has a higher median mechanical engineer salary at $110,577/year, compared to Moore at $95,250/year — a difference of $15,327 (16.09%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Moore and Tulsa?

Moore mechanical engineers earn $45.79/hr while Tulsa hygienists earn $53.16/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Moore to Tulsa as a mechanical engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Moore and Tulsa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Moore = $107,143, Tulsa = $123,946), job availability (8 vs 1,060 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Moore vs Tulsa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) mechanical engineers earn $65,371 in Moore and $72,775 in Tulsa. The Tulsa area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Robinson, PhDData verified by Lina Zhang, MS

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