EngineeringUpdated Q1 2026

Mechanical Engineer Salary
in Norfolk, VA

Design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems and devices. Median salary in Norfolk: $95K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$95K
per year
Take-home: $61K

Salary range in Norfolk

Entry level (25th)$71,000
Median (50th)$95,000
Senior (75th)$122,000
Top earner (90th)$153,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Norfolk, Virginia. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for Norfolk

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

Cost-of-living adjusted picture

Adjusted for Norfolk's cost-of-living index (95), the median Mechanical Engineer salary buys the equivalent of $100,000 in a US-average-cost city. That's $4,000 more purchasing power than the national median β€” a meaningful real-wage advantage.

Key facts for Norfolk

Median salary
$95K
annual
Take-home pay
$61K
after fed/state tax
COL index
95
100 = US avg
State income tax
5.75%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,300
per month
YoY growth
+2.8%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Norfolk Mechanical Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $105K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Norfolk

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Mechanical Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$80K$87K$94K$100K$107K201920212023202520272029
2026
$97K
projected
2027
$100K
projected
2028
$102K
projected
2029
$105K
projected
2030
$107K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$97,000+$2,000
2028 projected$100,000+$5,000
2029 projected$102,000+$7,000
2030 projected$105,000+$10,000

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Mechanical Engineer Salary in Norfolk, Virginia: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Mechanical Engineer salary in Norfolk, VA is $95,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Norfolk–VA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Mechanical Engineer in Norfolk

Entry-level Mechanical Engineers in Norfolk with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $71,000 and $95,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $95,000 to $122,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $122,000 to $153,000 or more.

Cost of living in Norfolk for Mechanical Engineers

Norfolk has a cost of living index of 95 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 5% further in Norfolk than the national average. Virginia has a 5.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Mechanical Engineer

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; PE license valued. 30% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Mechanical Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Norfolk (current)$95K95
Virginia Beach$96K98
Chesapeake$96K98
Richmond$94K98
Newport News$95K95
Arlington$120K148