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Automotive Engineer Salary in Kennewick, WA

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

Median Salary
$123,370
per year in Kennewick
Entry Level
$74,770
Starting salary
Senior Level
$169,478
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
98
2% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$74,770$123,370$169,478
Monthly$6,231$10,281$14,123
Biweekly$2,876$4,745$6,518
Weekly$1,438$2,373$3,259
Hourly$36$59$81

Kennewick vs National Average

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

Kennewick Salary
$123,370
COL Index: 98
National Average
$112,400
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$10,970
Higher in Kennewick

Cost of Living in Kennewick

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,150
per month
Median Income
$56,120
per year
Population
84,347
residents
Rent % of Income
24.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 98 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Kennewick 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
-10%
Los Angeles, CA
$114,290
-7%
Chicago, IL
$100,390
-19%
Houston, TX
$126,870
+3%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,300
-17%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Automotive Engineer Salary in Kennewick, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a automotive engineer in Kennewick, WA is $123,370 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 98. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Kennewick's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level automotive engineer professionals in Kennewick can expect to earn around $74,770 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level automotive engineers earning approximately $169,478 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Kennewick's cost of living index of 98 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Kennewick 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 Kennewick typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,150 per month, housing represents about 11.2% 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 Kennewick, 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.