Mechanical Engineer Salary in Johnson City, TN: $99,874 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Johnson City, TN earns a median $99,874/year (≈ $48.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Johnson City's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $113,586 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Mechanical engineers in Johnson City, Tennessee, can expect a median annual salary of $99,874 in 2026, reflecting a competitive pay environment shaped by the region's focus on various industries, including aerospace and automotive sectors. The salary range spans from $68,576 at the 10th percentile to $129,875 at the 90th percentile, allowing for significant earning potential as engineers progress in their careers. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected for 2026, indicates that the mechanical engineer salary in Johnson City is nearly 6.79% below the national median of $107,150. With expanding opportunities in aerospace firms like SpaceX and Boeing as well as automotive giants such as Tesla, this region offers diverse pathways for engineers to leverage their skills and maximize earnings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,576 | $32.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,902 | $39.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,874 | $48.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $124,039 | $59.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,875 | $62.44 |
Median Salary Position
6.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnson City
In Johnson City, TN, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,299 (2026 est.). At $99,874, the local median is 6.79% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Johnson City: You'd be above the median
How Johnson City Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Johnson City median: $99,874/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnson City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $107,150 | -6.79% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Johnson City, TN earn a median of $99,874 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.79% lower than the national median of $107,150.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnson City has a cost of living 12.07% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Johnson City, TN has a cost-of-living index of 87.928 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $99,874 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $113,586 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.73% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,810
2025 BLS Actual
$97,040
2026 Current Est.
$99,874
2019–2027 Growth
+27.2%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Johnson City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,810 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,320 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,752 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,874 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,790 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnson City metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 20.1% from $80,810 (2019) to $97,040 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,790 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,980 (27.20%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnson City 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) | $68,576 – $82,902 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,902 – $99,874 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,874 – $124,039 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $124,039 – $129,875 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Johnson City
The mechanical engineer job market in Johnson City currently employs around 60 professionals, a sign of robust opportunities tailored to various industry sectors. With a cost of living index of 87.928, living expenses are lower than the national average, enhancing take-home purchasing power for local engineers. Companies within the automotive and aerospace sectors typically offer the highest pay, particularly for those holding specialized skills or security clearances. The variation in compensation often stems from industry demand, with positions in aerospace commanding higher salaries due to the equity-linked compensation structures from firms like SpaceX and Blue Origin. To maximize mechanical engineer pay in Johnson City, professionals should consider obtaining PE licensure, focusing on high-demand sectors, and exploring management roles as they grow in their careers. This strategic approach will help engineers navigate their career paths and secure higher compensation as the market evolves.
More salary data for Johnson City, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $97,040 for mechanical engineersin the Johnson City 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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