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State comparison · 2025

Mechanical Engineers salary: California vs Oklahoma

Occupation

Mechanical Engineers in California earn a median of $130,900. In Oklahoma, $101,850. After cost-of-living, the gap is 1.9% — not 28.5%.

Nominal pay gap
+28.5%
California vs Oklahoma
COL-adjusted gap
+1.9%
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

Oklahoma

Mechanical Engineers

Median
$101,850
p25
$82,960
p75
$128,320
p10
$70,070
p90
$136,110
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
87.8
Hiring velocity (180d)
-72%
See full breakdown for Oklahoma

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.