Average Mechanical Engineer Salary in TennesseeNo State Income Tax
Mechanical Engineers in Tennessee earn an average of $92,337 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +7.8% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$92,337
per year
Hourly Rate
$44.39
per hour
vs National
-7.8%
$100,140 national
Salary Range
$61,468
to $135,833
About Mechanical Engineer Careers in Tennessee
Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical devices and systems, including tools, engines, and machines. They apply principles of physics, mathematics, and materials science to create solutions that improve our daily lives. Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines, with applications in virtually every industry.
In Tennessee, mechanical engineers earn an average of $92,337 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $61,468 for entry-level roles to $135,833 for the most experienced professionals — +7.8% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by industry sector (aerospace, automotive, oil & gas), pe licensure and certifications, and the specific metro area within Tennessee.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$92,337
Cost of Living Index
93
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$99,287
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Tennessee's cost of living (below average), a Mechanical Engineer's salary of $92,337 has the purchasing power of $99,287 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Tennessee has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.
Mechanical Engineer Salary by City in Tennessee
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | $99,172 | $47.68/hr | $65,872 | $149,240 | 257 |
| Memphis, TN | $85,502 | $41.11/hr | $57,063 | $122,425 | 300 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Tennessee vs National Average
Mechanical Engineer Salary Comparison
Employment in Tennessee
There are approximately 557 Mechanical Engineers employed across 2 metro areas in Tennessee.
Key Industries: Healthcare, Automotive, Music & Entertainment
State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)
Mechanical Engineer Salary Range in Tennessee
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$61,468
Starting salary for new Mechanical Engineers
Median (50th Percentile)
$92,337
Mid-career Mechanical Engineer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$135,833
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Tennessee
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Mechanical Engineer salaries in Tennessee with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Mechanical Engineer Data
More Tennessee Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mechanical Engineer salary in Tennessee?
The average Mechanical Engineer salary in Tennessee is $92,337 per year ($44.39/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 7.8% below the national average of $100,140.
What is the highest paying city for Mechanical Engineers in Tennessee?
Nashville, TN is the highest paying city for Mechanical Engineers in Tennessee, with a median salary of $99,172 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Memphis, TN at $85,502.
What is the salary range for Mechanical Engineers in Tennessee?
Mechanical Engineer salaries in Tennessee range from $61,468 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $135,833 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $92,337 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Tennessee. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.