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Mechanical Engineering Salary in Tennessee: Is It a Good Career?

Tennessee · 2026 BLS salary data

Mechanical Engineering pay in Tennessee

The median wage is $99,550/yr — 4% below the national median. Among U.S. states, Tennesseeranks #35 of 51 states by median pay.

The numbers in Tennessee

Real BLS state-level figures for Mechanical Engineering.

Median salary
$99,550/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$78,730 – $127,500
National median
$104,110/yr
Employed in Tennessee
3,930

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.

What that pay is really worth in Tennessee

Salary alone can mislead — Tennessee costs 8% less than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
91.9
Nominal median
$99,550
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $108,324
State income tax
None

Because Tennessee costs 8% less than the U.S. average, its pay stretches further — it ranks #23 of 51 once adjusted for cost of living, up from #35 on raw salary.

Tennessee levies no state income tax, so more of that pay stays in your pocket than in high-tax states.

Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities (all items, US=100), 2024. Adjusted pay = nominal median ÷ (RPP/100) — purchasing power vs the U.S. average. State income tax = top marginal rate on wage income (Tax Foundation, 2025); your effective rate is lower and depends on income and deductions.

FAQ

How much do mechanical engineering professionals make in Tennessee?

The median annual wage is $99,550 (BLS OEWS, state estimates), with the middle 50% earning between $78,730 and $127,500. That's 4% below the national median.

Is Tennessee a good state for mechanical engineering?

By raw pay, Tennessee ranks #35 of 51 states by median pay. Adjusted for cost of living (Tennessee costs 8% less than the U.S. average), that median is worth about $108,324. Because Tennessee costs 8% less than the U.S. average, its pay stretches further — it ranks #23 of 51 once adjusted for cost of living, up from #35 on raw salary. And with no state income tax, more of that pay stays in your pocket.

Are mechanical engineering professionals in demand in Tennessee?

About 3,930 people work in this field in Tennessee (BLS OEWS). Nationally, BLS projects +9.1% employment growth for this field from 2024 to 2034.

The verdict, pros, and cons below apply to Mechanical Engineering nationally — Tennessee pay is 4% below the national median. See the full Mechanical Engineering career guide →

The verdict

Yes — mechanical engineering is one of the most versatile degrees, with strong pay, broad demand across industries, and faster-than-average growth. A solid, flexible choice if you enjoy math and physical systems.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Strong pay from a bachelor's degree
  • Extremely versatile across industries
  • Faster-than-average projected growth
  • Transferable to management and other engineering fields
  • Tangible, hands-on design work

Cons

  • Rigorous, math-heavy degree
  • Lower ceiling than software or finance
  • Some roles require on-site presence
  • PE license needed for certain positions

Who it's for

✓ A good fit if…

  • People who enjoy math, physics, and building
  • Those wanting flexible, broad career options
  • Anyone seeking stable engineering pay

✗ Probably not if…

  • People chasing the highest possible pay
  • Those who dislike heavy math and physics

What people are actually asking

Real Reddit discussions on whether Mechanical Engineering is worth it — titles link to the original threads.