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State comparison · 2025

Mechanical Engineers salary: California vs Mississippi

Occupation

Mechanical Engineers in California earn a median of $130,900. In Mississippi, $98,000. After cost-of-living, the gap is 5% — not 33.6%.

Nominal pay gap
+33.6%
California vs Mississippi
COL-adjusted gap
+5%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

California

Mechanical Engineers

Median
$130,900
p25
$102,360
p75
$166,580
p10
$82,070
p90
$203,620
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
110.7
Hiring velocity (180d)
-45%
See full breakdown for California

Mississippi

Mechanical Engineers

Median
$98,000
p25
$75,510
p75
$127,410
p10
$62,210
p90
$136,990
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
87.0
Hiring velocity (180d)
-30%
See full breakdown for Mississippi

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.