Overview Salaries

Mechanical Designer Salaries

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
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Salary

How much does a Mechanical Designer make?

The average salary for a Mechanical Designer is $76,939 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Mechanical Designer positions, showing an average salary of $76,939 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Mechanical Designer positions, showing an average salary of $76,939 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Mechanical Designer positions, showing an average salary of $76,939 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Mechanical Designer positions, showing an average salary of $76,939 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Mechanical Designers use computer software to create detailed drawings for manufacturing products. The work can range from designing new equipment to fixing problems with current products. This job can be found in many industries, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics. These designers help make our everyday products better and more efficient.

The average yearly salary for a Mechanical Designer is around $76,939. The pay can vary based on experience and location. For those just starting out, salaries can be lower. As Mechanical Designers gain more experience, they can earn more. Locations with high living costs often offer higher salaries. Here is a breakdown of the typical salary range:

  1. 10th percentile: $47,000
  2. 25th percentile: $54,545
  3. 50th percentile (median): $69,636
  4. 75th percentile: $92,273
  5. 90th percentile: $114,909
These numbers show how much a Mechanical Designer can expect to earn at different stages of their career.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Mechanical Designer?

Job seekers in search of Mechanical Designer positions will find attractive salaries in many cities. Seattle, Washington, offers the highest average salary at $104,945. Baltimore, Maryland, and Austin, Texas, closely follow with average salaries above $95,000. These cities provide competitive compensation for skilled professionals. Apart from these top earners, cities like Denver, Colorado, and San Diego, California, also present strong opportunities with average salaries over $85,000. Other notable cities include Huntsville, Alabama, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with average salaries near $90,000. These locations can be ideal for job seekers seeking good pay and a healthy job market.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Mechanical Designer jobs, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $104,945 and Los Angeles, CA with the lowest at $83,575.

  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $104,945
    In Seattle, design professionals create innovative products for tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon. The city offers a mix of cutting-edge technology and strong community support, making it an exciting place to work.
    Find Mechanical Designer jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $96,217
    Baltimore provides a unique opportunity for designers to work in a historic city with a growing tech scene. Companies like Under Armour and Lockheed Martin offer diverse projects and a chance to grow.
    Find Mechanical Designer jobs in Baltimore, MD


  3. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $95,965
    Austin offers a vibrant tech environment with many startups and established firms. Designers here work on innovative projects in a lively city known for its music and culture.
    Find Mechanical Designer jobs in Austin, TX


  4. Huntsville, AL
    Average Salary: $92,719
    Huntsville is home to major aerospace and defense companies. Designers here contribute to high-impact projects and enjoy a friendly community with a strong focus on education.
    Find Mechanical Designer jobs in Huntsville, AL


  5. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $89,361
    Denver's growing tech sector offers exciting opportunities for design professionals. The city's outdoor lifestyle and welcoming atmosphere make it a great place to work and live.
    Find Mechanical Designer jobs in Denver, CO


  6. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $86,927
    San Diego boasts a dynamic job market with top companies in biotech and defense. Designers enjoy beautiful weather and a strong focus on innovation and quality.
    Find Mechanical Designer jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. Pittsburgh, PA
    Average Salary: $85,286
    Pittsburgh offers a blend of traditional industry and modern tech startups. Designers here work on diverse projects in a city known for its rich history and community spirit.
    Find Mechanical Designer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA


  8. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $84,584
    Minneapolis provides a robust job market with a mix of large corporations and startups. Designers enjoy a high quality of life with plenty of outdoor activities and cultural events.
    Find Mechanical Designer jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  9. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $84,006
    Chicago is a major hub for design with many large companies and tech firms. The city offers a dynamic work environment and a rich cultural experience.
    Find Mechanical Designer jobs in Chicago, IL


  10. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $83,575
    Los Angeles offers a thriving job market with opportunities in entertainment and tech. Designers enjoy a vibrant lifestyle and the chance to work on diverse and creative projects.
    Find Mechanical Designer jobs in Los Angeles, CA

What are the best companies a Mechanical Designer can work for?

Mechanical Designer jobs offer good pay across various companies. Burns & McDonnell leads with an average salary of $129,445. Stantec and 1st St. NW Technical Staffing follow closely with competitive salaries. These top companies also value experienced professionals, providing a solid career path for Mechanical Designers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Mechanical Designer jobs, highlighting Burns & McDonnell with the highest at $129,445 and Salas O'Brien with the lowest at $72,677.

  1. Burns & McDonnell
    Average Salary: $129,445
    Burns & McDonnell offers excellent opportunities for Mechanical Designers. This company provides diverse projects in infrastructure and building design. They operate in numerous locations across the U.S., including Kansas City, Denver, and Philadelphia.


  2. Stantec
    Average Salary: $93,035
    Stantec is a global design and engineering firm. They provide Mechanical Designer positions with a focus on sustainable design. The company works in various cities, including Toronto, Calgary, and San Francisco.


  3. 1st St. NW Technical Staffing
    Average Salary: $92,083
    1st St. NW Technical Staffing specializes in placing Mechanical Designers with top companies. They offer competitive salaries and a variety of project types. Their operations span across major cities like Washington, D.C., and Austin.


  4. Henderson Engineers
    Average Salary: $88,372
    Henderson Engineers focuses on civil, structural, and mechanical engineering. They offer diverse Mechanical Designer roles in many U.S. locations, including Seattle, Portland, and Miami.


  5. Core States Group
    Average Salary: $83,314
    Core States Group provides opportunities for Mechanical Designers in various sectors. They are known for their collaborative environment and extensive projects. The company operates in locations such as Atlanta, Houston, and Chicago.


  6. Sargent & Lundy
    Average Salary: $80,651
    Sargent & Lundy offers rewarding Mechanical Designer positions with a focus on power generation. They work on projects across the U.S., including locations like Chicago, Houston, and New York.


  7. E Business International Inc
    Average Salary: $78,680
    E Business International Inc provides Mechanical Designer roles with a focus on technical solutions. They work in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.


  8. Entegee
    Average Salary: $78,622
    Entegee offers Mechanical Designer positions with a strong emphasis on engineering excellence. They work across several locations including Denver, Houston, and Phoenix.


  9. Woodward, Inc.
    Average Salary: $75,919
    Woodward, Inc. offers Mechanical Designer positions focused on automation and control technologies. They are active in cities such as Fort Collins, Denver, and Phoenix.


  10. Salas O'Brien
    Average Salary: $72,677
    Salas O'Brien provides Mechanical Designer roles with a focus on engineering services. They operate in major U.S. cities including Tampa, Denver, and Miami.

How to earn more as a Mechanical Designer?

Mechanical designers have many ways to increase their earning potential. Gaining more experience in the field can lead to higher-paying positions. A designer with a strong portfolio showcasing successful projects can command higher salaries. Staying up-to-date with the latest software and design techniques also makes a designer more valuable. Attending workshops or getting certified in new tools can improve a designer's skills. Networking with other professionals can open doors to better job opportunities.

Building a reputation for efficiency and creativity can set a mechanical designer apart from others. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions can lead to promotions and raises. Taking on leadership roles or special projects can also increase earning potential. Keeping an eye out for job openings in high-demand areas can lead to better pay. Continuing education and specialization in niche areas can open up higher-paying job opportunities.

Consider these factors when seeking to earn more as a mechanical designer:

  1. Gain more experience
  2. Stay updated with new software and techniques
  3. Network with other professionals
  4. Build a strong portfolio
  5. Seek opportunities in high-demand areas

Currently 147 Mechanical Designer job openings, nationwide.

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How's the job market for a Mechanical Designer in the US?

Learn what a Mechanical Designer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Mechanical Designer today.
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Mechanical Designer
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