Mechanical Engineer Salary in Cumberland, RI: $102,488 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Cumberland, RI earns a median $102,488/year (≈ $49.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Cumberland's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $101,978 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Cumberland, Rhode Island, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $102,488, reflecting the ongoing influence of high-tech employers such as SpaceX and Tesla on compensation structures. The salary range spans from $76,517 at the 10th percentile to $155,582 at the 90th percentile, indicative of various factors including experience, industry sector, and qualifications such as a professional engineer (PE) license. These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, take into account regional cost adjustments, reflecting the competitive nature of salaries in this area. Employers in aerospace and automotive fields are particularly known for offering equity and performance bonuses that significantly elevate total compensation beyond base salaries.
About the Cumberland Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,517 | $36.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,365 | $40.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,488 | $49.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $130,697 | $62.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $155,582 | $74.80 |
Median Salary Position
4.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cumberland
In Cumberland, RI, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $79,065 (2026 est.). At $102,488, the local median is 4.35% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cumberland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cumberland Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Cumberland median: $102,488/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cumberland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $107,655 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -4.35% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Cumberland, RI earn a median of $102,488 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.35% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 4.80% below the Rhode Island state average of $107,655.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cumberland has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cumberland, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $102,488 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $101,978 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,582
2025 BLS Actual
$99,580
2026 Current Est.
$102,488
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Cumberland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,582 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,237 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,153 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,119 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,180 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,561 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,580 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,488 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,480 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cumberland metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $84,582 (2019) to $99,580 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,480 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,898 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cumberland 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $76,517 – $84,365 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,365 – $102,488 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,488 – $130,697 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $130,697 – $155,582 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Cumberland
The local job market for mechanical engineers in Cumberland remains relatively small, with only eight professionals currently employed in the area. Despite the limited workforce, the cost of living index stands slightly above the national average at 100.5, impacting the purchasing power of aspiring engineers. Employers in the automotive and aerospace sectors, including industry giants like Tesla and Boeing, typically provide the highest compensation packages, driven by innovation and the demand for specialized skills. The earning potential varies significantly, influenced by factors like security clearance in defense roles, the growing preference for engineers with experience in cutting-edge technologies, and those holding advanced credentials. For individuals seeking to maximize their mechanical engineer pay in Cumberland, focusing on acquiring a PE license, gaining experience in high-demand sectors, and exploring opportunities that offer equity compensation can be beneficial strategies.
More salary data for Cumberland, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can mechanical engineers make $100K in Cumberland?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $99,580 for mechanical engineersin the Cumberland metropolitan area. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cumberland 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