Mechanical Engineer Salary in Chesapeake, VA: $103,609 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Chesapeake, VA earns a median $103,609/year (≈ $49.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Chesapeake's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $100,396 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation landscape for mechanical engineers in Chesapeake, Virginia, presents a competitive median annual salary of $103,609, which is slightly below the national median of $107,150. The salary spectrum ranges from $67,153 at the 10th percentile to a peak of $160,593 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the variety of industries and roles that mechanical engineers may pursue in the local job market. These figures are derived from state-level estimates, adjusted for regional cost factors, providing insight into how much do mechanical engineers make in Chesapeake compared to peers in similar professions. Achieving a Professional Engineer (PE) license can significantly influence this salary trajectory, especially in the high-demand HVAC and building systems sectors, underscoring the potential for additional earnings in the city’s engineering market.
About the Chesapeake Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,153 | $32.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,731 | $40.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,609 | $49.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $132,619 | $63.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $160,593 | $77.21 |
Median Salary Position
3.3% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, VA, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $93,440 (2026 est.). At $103,609, the local median is 3.3% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chesapeake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chesapeake Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Chesapeake median: $103,609/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chesapeake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $103,299 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $107,150 | -3.30% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $103,609 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.30% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 0.30% above the Virginia state average of $103,299.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chesapeake has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chesapeake, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $103,609 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $100,396 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,507
2025 BLS Actual
$100,669
2026 Current Est.
$103,609
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,507 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,180 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,150 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,127 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,221 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,513 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,669 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,609 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,634 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chesapeake metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $85,507 (2019) to $100,669 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,634 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,127 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chesapeake 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) | $67,153 – $84,731 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,731 – $103,609 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,609 – $132,619 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $132,619 – $160,593 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Chesapeake
Chesapeake’s job market is relatively stable, employing 63 mechanical engineers, which highlights a modest yet targeted demand for expertise in this field. The cost of living index in the area stands at 103.2, indicating higher than average living costs, which can impact disposable income and purchasing power for residents. Notably, employers that tend to offer the highest salaries include those in aerospace and defense sectors, such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin, as well as cutting-edge automotive companies like Tesla and Rivian. The noticeable discrepancy in pay between various sectors can be attributed to several factors, including industry demand, the value of a PE license, and existing security clearance requirements for defense roles. For engineers looking to maximize their earnings in Chesapeake, targeting industries with robust growth, pursuing additional certifications, and exploring roles that enhance equity compensation will be essential strategies in optimizing their pay potential in this competitive market.
More salary data for Chesapeake, VA:
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 $100,669 for mechanical engineersin the Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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