Mechanical Engineer Salary in Staunton, VA: $86,834 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Staunton, VA earns a median $86,834/year (≈ $41.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Staunton's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.1), that paycheck buys what $95,288 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.9% below the Virginia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Staunton, Virginia, the 2026 median salary for mechanical engineers is projected to reach $86,834, representing a significant gap from the national median of $107,150. For those considering this career in Staunton, the salary range varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at $72,672 and top earners making as much as $130,698. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, reflects the area's diverse industrial makeup, including opportunities in aerospace giants like SpaceX and Boeing, automotive manufacturers like Tesla, and HVAC firms. With a local workforce of approximately 190 mechanical engineers, the job market's stability here speaks to the demand for these professionals in various sectors.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,672 | $34.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,672 | $34.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,834 | $41.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111,020 | $53.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $130,698 | $62.83 |
Median Salary Position
18.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Staunton
In Staunton, VA, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,026 (2026 est.). At $86,834, the local median is 18.96% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Staunton: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Staunton Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Staunton median: $86,834/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Staunton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $103,250 | -15.90% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -18.96% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Staunton, VA earn a median of $86,834 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.96% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 15.90% below the Virginia state average of $103,250.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Staunton has a cost of living 8.87% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Staunton, VA has a cost-of-living index of 91.128 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $86,834 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $95,288 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,750
2025 BLS Actual
$84,370
2026 Current Est.
$86,834
2019–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Staunton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,750 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,380 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,060 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,250 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,110 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,370 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,834 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,369 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Staunton metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.6% from $71,750 (2019) to $84,370 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,369 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,619 (24.56%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Staunton 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) | $72,672 – $72,672 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,672 – $86,834 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,834 – $111,020 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $111,020 – $130,698 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Staunton
Looking deeper into the local job market, Staunton’s cost of living index is notably lower at 91.128, suggesting that mechanical engineers can enjoy a more favorable purchasing power compared to many other regions. Automotive and aerospace employers generally offer competitive salaries, especially for those with specialized skills or a PE license, which can significantly influence earning potential. Key employers in the area span across industries, including automotive leaders, defense contractors, and HVAC firms. The difference between the highest and lowest salaries often hinges on factors such as industry specialization, the presence of security clearances for defense roles, and the engineer’s position on the management track. For those aiming to boost their income, engaging in ongoing professional development, seeking PE licensure, and exploring options in high-paying sectors like aerospace or technology can greatly enhance pay prospects in the Staunton market.
More salary data for Staunton, 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 $84,370 for mechanical engineersin the Staunton 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, 7-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