Suffolk vs Virginia Beach: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Suffolk, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Suffolk, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,527 | $103,208▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.81 | $49.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,475 | $79,784▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,773▲ | $82,357 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,830▲ | $126,797 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,368▲ | $139,508 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 2,210▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Suffolk.
The salary gap between Suffolk and Virginia Beach is $1,681 (1.66%). Virginia Beach's median is -3.68% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Suffolk spans $81,893,Virginia Beach spans $59,724. Suffolk 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 7.11% more than Suffolk ($98,379 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Suffolk if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,368)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,208/year)
- ✓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 Suffolk grew -13.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.9% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Suffolk, VA
$113,645 (2024) → $98,647 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$87,240 (2019) → $100,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Suffolk, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Suffolk or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Suffolk and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Suffolk to Virginia Beach as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Suffolk vs Virginia Beach?
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