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How much does a Mechanical Engineer make?

The average salary for a Mechanical Engineer is $99,544 per year in the US.

Mechanical engineers design and develop machines and systems. They find work in many industries, including automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. Their skills are in high demand, and they often earn a good salary. The average yearly salary for a mechanical engineer is around $99,544. This is a solid income for many job seekers.

Mechanical engineers can earn different amounts based on their experience and where they work. Here are some salary ranges:

  • The lowest 10% earn about $49,000 per year.
  • The next 20% earn between $60,639 and $72,277 per year.
  • The middle 20% earn between $72,277 and $83,916 per year.
  • The next 20% earn between $83,916 and $95,555 per year.
  • The top 10% earn more than $130,470 per year.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Mechanical Engineer?

Mechanical engineers can find some of the best pay in Waco, TX, where the average salary reaches $125,714. San Francisco, CA, and Augusta, GA, follow closely with average salaries of $124,141 and $123,088, respectively. These cities offer competitive wages and opportunities for those in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Mechanical Engineer jobs, highlighting Waco, TX with the highest at $125,714 and Savannah, GA with the lowest at $112,854.
  1. Waco, TX
    Average Salary: $125,714
    Waco offers a vibrant community for engineers. With companies like Bell Helicopter and various tech startups, professionals find ample opportunities. The city's growing tech scene provides a dynamic environment for innovation.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Waco, TX


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $124,141
    San Francisco is a hub for tech and engineering. Companies like Tesla and Oracle offer exciting roles. The city's innovative spirit makes it a great place for engineers to thrive.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Augusta, GA
    Average Salary: $123,088
    Augusta provides a balanced lifestyle with a strong engineering community. Companies like Savannah River Site offer significant opportunities. The city's lower cost of living enhances quality of life.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Augusta, GA


  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $121,012
    San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley. Engineers work with top companies like Apple and Intel. The city's tech-driven economy offers endless possibilities for career growth.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. Midland, TX
    Average Salary: $116,865
    Midland boasts a strong engineering sector, especially in energy. Companies like Chevron and ConocoPhillips provide robust career paths. The city's family-friendly environment adds to its appeal.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Midland, TX


  6. Manchester, NH
    Average Salary: $116,544
    Manchester offers a mix of industry and innovation. Engineers find roles with companies like BAE Systems and BAE Systems. The city's affordable living costs and strong community make it attractive.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Manchester, NH


  7. Springfield, MA
    Average Salary: $116,379
    Springfield is a center for manufacturing and engineering. Companies like MassMutual and Smith & Wesson offer diverse opportunities. The city's rich history and vibrant culture enhance the professional experience.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Springfield, MA


  8. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $114,867
    Seattle is a tech powerhouse with giants like Amazon and Boeing. Engineers enjoy a thriving job market with many opportunities. The city's natural beauty and outdoor activities provide a great work-life balance.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA


  9. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $113,314
    San Diego offers a perfect blend of beach life and tech innovation. Companies like Qualcomm and General Atomics provide exciting roles. The city's mild climate and outdoor lifestyle make it a desirable place to work.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Savannah, GA
    Average Salary: $112,854
    Savannah combines historic charm with modern industry. Engineers find opportunities with companies like Gulfstream Aerospace. The city's rich culture and coastal location offer a unique professional experience.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Savannah, GA

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

Apple offers one of the highest salaries for Mechanical Engineers, averaging around $193,065 annually. Companies like Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical) and Google also provide competitive pay, with averages around $170,421 and $167,273, respectively. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and Relativity Space also rank well, offering salaries close to $165,000 per year.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Mechanical Engineer jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $193,065 and Keysight Technologies with the lowest at $148,228.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $193,065
    Apple offers exciting opportunities for Mechanical Engineers. They work on innovative products and technologies. Apple operates globally, with major offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.


  2. Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical)
    Average Salary: $170,421
    Intuitive Surgical provides Mechanical Engineers with the chance to develop advanced medical devices. They focus on minimally invasive surgery. The company has locations in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.


  3. Google
    Average Salary: $167,273
    Google offers Mechanical Engineers roles in various tech projects. They work on cutting-edge technology and products. Google has offices worldwide, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia.


  4. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
    Average Salary: $164,723
    This lab provides Mechanical Engineers with opportunities in research and development. They focus on national security and aerospace projects. The lab is located in Maryland, USA.


  5. Relativity Space
    Average Salary: $156,759
    Relativity Space offers Mechanical Engineers roles in aerospace engineering. They work on developing 3D-printed rockets. The company is based in California, USA.


  6. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $155,437
    Microsoft offers Mechanical Engineers roles in software and hardware development. They work on innovative tech solutions. Microsoft has offices worldwide, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia.


  7. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    Average Salary: $152,912
    This lab provides Mechanical Engineers with opportunities in national security and energy research. They focus on advanced technologies. The lab is located in California, USA.


  8. Motion Recruitment
    Average Salary: $152,103
    Motion Recruitment offers Mechanical Engineers roles in various industries. They focus on placing engineers in the right positions. They operate globally, with a strong presence in the U.S. and Europe.


  9. Applied Materials
    Average Salary: $150,215
    Applied Materials offers Mechanical Engineers roles in semiconductor manufacturing. They work on advanced technology and equipment. The company has offices worldwide, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia.


  10. Keysight Technologies
    Average Salary: $148,228
    Keysight Technologies provides Mechanical Engineers with roles in electronics testing and measurement. They focus on innovative solutions. The company operates globally, with major offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

How to earn more as a Mechanical Engineer?

Mechanical engineers have many ways to increase their earnings. They can gain more skills, work in high-demand areas, and take on leadership roles. Each of these steps can lead to higher pay and better job opportunities. Building a strong network within the industry also helps. This network can lead to new job offers and salary increases.

Here are some key factors to consider for earning more as a mechanical engineer:

  1. Gain specialized skills: Learning new skills can make a mechanical engineer more valuable. Skills in computer-aided design (CAD) or finite element analysis (FEA) are in demand. Certifications in these areas can lead to higher pay.
  2. Work in high-demand industries: Industries like aerospace, automotive, and energy often pay more. Engineers in these fields may earn higher salaries due to the complexity and importance of their work.
  3. Take on leadership roles: Moving into management or project leadership can lead to higher pay. These roles often come with more responsibility and better compensation.
  4. Pursue advanced degrees: A master's or Ph.D. can open doors to higher-paying positions. Advanced degrees show a commitment to the field and can lead to research and teaching roles.
  5. Build a strong professional network: Networking with other professionals can lead to job opportunities and salary increases. Attending industry conferences and joining professional organizations can help.

Currently 1,893 Mechanical Engineer job openings, nationwide.

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

Learn what a Mechanical Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Mechanical Engineer today.
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Mechanical Engineer
1,893 Job Openings