Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Norfolk, VA: $50.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Norfolk, VA runs $50.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,748 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,848 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Virginia, mechanical engineers earn a median hourly pay of $50.36, which is slightly below the national median of $51.51. This hourly rate can be significant for part-time positions and per-diem work, especially for engineers who typically work in high-tech environments such as automotive, aerospace, or HVAC sectors. For those working three days a week, this translates to a consistent and competitive wage while allowing flexibility in scheduling. Entry-level engineers in Norfolk can expect to earn around $33.29 per hour, while those with extensive experience and specialized skills can command rates as high as $78.05. These estimates derive from annual salary data and reflect the evolving needs and demands of the mechanical engineering profession across various specialized settings, including simulation work, design, and manufacturing.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.29 | $266.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.88 | $311.07 |
| Median (P50) | $50.36 | $402.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.46 | $515.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.05 | $624.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $50.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.36/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $104,746 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,431. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,014.35 | $8,729 | $104,746 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,208.61 | $5,237 | $62,848 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $805.74 | $3,492 | $41,898 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Norfolk) | $50.36 |
| Civil Engineer (National Avg) | $47.06 |
| Electrical Engineer (National Avg) | $54.18 |
| Industrial Engineer (National Avg) | $47.50 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
Mechanical Engineers in Norfolk, VA earn a median of $104,748 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.24% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 1.40% above the Virginia state average of $103,302.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.36/hr = $62,848/year (purchasing power: $60,899).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,746/year (purchasing power: $101,498).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Norfolk grew 17.7% from $41.56/hr (2019) to $48.93/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.83/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem mechanical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.92% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Mechanical Engineer in Norfolk
Examining the potential for part-time or per-diem employment reveals a wide range of earning opportunities for mechanical engineers in Norfolk. A mechanical engineer working 24 hours per week could take home around $50,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. On the per-diem front, contract rates can boost earnings considerably, with per diem mechanical engineer pay in Norfolk often ranging from $90 to $160 per hour for agency work, and specialized roles like HVAC or aerospace engineers fetching up to $220 per hour, especially at security-cleared positions. Different employers, including major players like Tesla, Boeing, and Apple, reflect a pay variation influenced by the industry. Engineers may choose lower hourly rates with benefits packages or seek higher wages that come without health insurance. Negotiation tips include emphasizing specialized skills or unique experiences relevant to local projects, enhancing chances to secure competitive rates within the Norfolk job market.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Norfolk in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for mechanical engineers in Norfolk. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Norfolk is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov