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Automotive Engineer Salary in Bristol, VA

How much does a automotive engineer make in Bristol? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Bristol's cost of living.

Median Salary
$94,686
per year in Bristol
Entry Level
$57,385
Starting salary
Senior Level
$130,073
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
78
22% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how automotive engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Bristol.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$57,385$94,686$130,073
Monthly$4,782$7,891$10,839
Biweekly$2,207$3,642$5,003
Weekly$1,104$1,821$2,501
Hourly$28$46$63

Bristol vs National Average

How Bristol's automotive engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Bristol Salary
$94,686
COL Index: 78
National Average
$112,400
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$17,714
Lower in Bristol

Cost of Living in Bristol

1-Bedroom Rent
$650
per month
Median Income
$36,234
per year
Population
17,340
residents
Rent % of Income
21.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 78 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Bristol have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Automotive Engineer

Overview

Design and develop vehicles and automotive systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automotive or Mechanical Engineering

Key Skills

Vehicle DesignCADPowertrain SystemsPerformance Testing

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +18% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Automotive Engineer Salary

See Automotive Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$111,270
+18%
Los Angeles, CA
$114,290
+21%
Chicago, IL
$100,390
+6%
Houston, TX
$126,870
+34%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,300
+8%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Automotive Engineer Salary in Bristol, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a automotive engineer in Bristol, VA is $94,686 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 78. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Bristol's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level automotive engineer professionals in Bristol can expect to earn around $57,385 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level automotive engineers earning approximately $130,073 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Bristol's cost of living index of 78 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Bristol are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $112,400, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a automotive engineer's salary in Bristol typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $650 per month, housing represents about 8.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Automotive Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 18% over the next decade. In Bristol, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.