Newport News vs Virginia Beach: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Newport News, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Newport News, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,062▲ | $103,208 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.03▲ | $49.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,182 | $79,784▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,592▲ | $82,357 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,200▲ | $126,797 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,297▲ | $139,508 |
| Total Employed | 39 | 2,210▲ |
Verdict
Newport News, VA offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Newport News and Virginia Beach is $854 (0.83%). Newport News's median is -2.88% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newport News spans $85,115,Virginia Beach spans $59,724. Newport News has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($105,378 effective) pays 4.50% more than Newport News ($100,835 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Newport News if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,062/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,297)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,378)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Newport News grew -13.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.9% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Newport News, VA
$116,483 (2024) → $101,110 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$87,240 (2019) → $100,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newport News, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Newport News or Virginia Beach?
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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