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Engineering · North Carolina

How to Become a Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina

Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina earn a median salary of $100,720/year, which is 3% below the national average. North Carolina has a state income tax of ~4.5%. After taxes and rent, a mechanical engineers takes home approximately $5,015/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$101K
Median salary in North Carolina
-3%
vs. national average
4.5%
State income tax
9,560
Employed in North Carolina

What a mechanical engineers can afford in North Carolina

Gross annual salary$100,720
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.5% state tax)$6,226/mo
Median 2BR rent (North Carolina)-$1,211/mo
Rent as % of take-home19.5% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$100,720/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$5,015/mo

Becoming a mechanical engineers in North Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

Mechanical Engineers positions in North Carolina typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across North Carolina. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many mechanical engineers positions in North Carolina require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain North Carolina licensure or certification

North Carolina may require specific licensing or professional certification for mechanical engineerss. Requirements vary by state, contact the North Carolina Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in North Carolina

North Carolina employs 9,560 mechanical engineers. The highest concentrations are in Greensboro-High Point and Asheville.

Mechanical Engineers salary by metro area in North Carolina

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Greensboro-High Point$110K$52.67/hr1,260
Asheville$109K$52.23/hr330
Greenville$108K$52.09/hr120
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia$102K$49.02/hr2,470
Goldsboro$102K$48.94/hr30
Durham-Chapel Hill$102K$48.87/hr620
Wilmington$101K$48.61/hr190
Raleigh-Cary$100K$48.08/hr1,810
Jacksonville$100K$47.97/hr50
Fayetteville$100K$47.93/hr70
Rocky Mount$98K$47.14/hr130
Pinehurst-Southern Pines$96K$46.24/hr30
Burlington$96K$46.09/hr80
Winston-Salem$96K$45.96/hr480
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton$90K$43.25/hr250

Mechanical Engineers salary range in North Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$71K
25th percentile
$82K
Median (50th)
$101K
75th percentile
$125K
90th percentile (senior)
$156K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a mechanical engineers make in North Carolina?

The median mechanical engineers salary in North Carolina is $100,720 per year ($48.42/hr). This is 3% below the national median of $104,110. Salaries range from $71,260 to $155,550.

What are the requirements to become a mechanical engineers in North Carolina?

Mechanical Engineers positions in North Carolina typically require Bachelor's degree. North Carolina may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the North Carolina licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a mechanical engineers afford to live in North Carolina?

At the median salary of $100,720, a mechanical engineers in North Carolina would take home approximately $6,226/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,211/month, that's 19.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for mechanical engineers in North Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for mechanical engineers in North Carolina are Greensboro-High Point ($109,540), Asheville ($108,630), Greenville ($108,340). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does North Carolina have state income tax for mechanical engineers?

Yes, North Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.5%. On a $100,720 salary, this means roughly $4,532/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.