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State comparison · 2025

Mechanical Engineers salary: District of Columbia vs Pennsylvania

Occupation

Mechanical Engineers in District of Columbia earn a median of $133,300. In Pennsylvania, $97,920. After cost-of-living, the gap is 20.9% — not 36.1%.

Nominal pay gap
+36.1%
District of Columbia vs Pennsylvania
COL-adjusted gap
+20.9%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

District of Columbia

Mechanical Engineers

Median
$133,300
p25
$107,300
p75
$166,360
p10
$86,820
p90
$195,190
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
109.9
Hiring velocity (180d)
-40%
See full breakdown for District of Columbia

Pennsylvania

Mechanical Engineers

Median
$97,920
p25
$79,090
p75
$125,270
p10
$65,770
p90
$150,950
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
97.6
Hiring velocity (180d)
-51%
See full breakdown for Pennsylvania

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.