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How much does a Mechanical Engineer make?

The average salary for a Mechanical Engineer is $100,568 per year in the US.

Mechanical engineers design and develop machines and systems. They work in many industries, including automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. Their skills are in high demand, and they often earn good salaries. The average yearly salary for a mechanical engineer is around $100,568. This means that many mechanical engineers make more than this amount.

Mechanical engineers can earn different salaries based on their experience and where they work. Entry-level engineers may start with salaries around $48,000. As they gain experience, their salaries can increase. Experienced engineers can earn over $177,500 per year. Some factors that can affect salary include the industry, location, and company size. Engineers who work in high-tech industries or large companies often earn more.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Mechanical Engineer?

Mechanical engineers can find some of the best-paying jobs in San Francisco, California, where the average salary reaches $133,429. Augusta, Georgia, offers another high salary at $127,570. San Jose, California, also provides a competitive salary of $125,113. Other cities with attractive salaries include Midland, Texas, at $118,166, and Austin, Texas, at $111,339. These cities offer strong opportunities for mechanical engineers looking to maximize their earnings.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Mechanical Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $133,429 and Abilene, TX with the lowest at $110,118.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $133,429
    In San Francisco, engineers work on cutting-edge projects with tech giants. Companies like Tesla and Oracle offer exciting opportunities. The city's vibrant culture enhances the work experience.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Augusta, GA
    Average Salary: $127,570
    Augusta provides a mix of industrial and manufacturing opportunities. Engineers here collaborate with companies like Aflac and Sunbelt Rentals. The city's welcoming atmosphere makes it a great place to work.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Augusta, GA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $125,113
    San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, offers numerous opportunities for engineers. Companies like Apple and Google provide innovative projects. The tech-driven environment fosters growth and learning.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Manchester, NH
    Average Salary: $119,949
    Manchester has a strong manufacturing sector with companies like BAE Systems and BAE Systems. Engineers here enjoy a mix of traditional and modern projects. The city's friendly community adds to the work experience.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Manchester, NH


  5. Midland, TX
    Average Salary: $118,166
    In Midland, engineers work in the oil and gas industry with companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron. The city offers a stable job market and a strong sense of community. The work environment is both challenging and rewarding.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Midland, TX


  6. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $117,424
    Seattle is a hub for tech and aerospace, with companies like Boeing and Amazon. Engineers here enjoy a dynamic work environment. The city's natural beauty and outdoor activities enhance the quality of life.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA


  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $116,456
    San Diego offers a mix of military, aerospace, and biotech opportunities. Engineers work with companies like Qualcomm and General Atomics. The city's mild climate and beautiful beaches make it an attractive place to live and work.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Springfield, MA
    Average Salary: $113,181
    Springfield has a diverse industrial base with companies like MassMutual and Smith & Wesson. Engineers here enjoy a variety of projects. The city's rich history and cultural events add to the work experience.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Springfield, MA


  9. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $111,339
    Austin is known for its tech and music scenes, with companies like Dell and Apple. Engineers enjoy a vibrant and innovative work environment. The city's lively culture and outdoor activities make it a great place to live.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Austin, TX


  10. Abilene, TX
    Average Salary: $110,118
    Abilene offers opportunities in the oil and gas industry with companies like ExxonMobil and Halliburton. Engineers here enjoy a stable and rewarding work environment. The city's friendly community and outdoor activities enhance the lifestyle.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Abilene, TX

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

Apple, Google, and Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory offer some of the highest salaries for Mechanical Engineers. Apple leads with an average salary of $197,000, followed by Google at $173,806. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory provides a competitive $163,128. These companies value skilled engineers and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Mechanical Engineer jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $197,000 and Amazon.com with the lowest at $150,514.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $197,000
    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. Google
    Average Salary: $173,806
    Google provides Mechanical Engineers with chances to work on cutting-edge projects. They focus on hardware development and sustainability. Google has offices worldwide, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia.


  3. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
    Average Salary: $163,128
    This lab offers Mechanical Engineers roles in defense and aerospace. They work on critical national security projects. The lab is based in Maryland, U.S.


  4. Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical)
    Average Salary: $162,344
    Intuitive Surgical provides Mechanical Engineers with roles in medical device innovation. They focus on robotic surgery technology. The company is based in California, U.S.


  5. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $155,945
    Microsoft offers Mechanical Engineers roles in hardware development. They work on projects like Surface devices. Microsoft has offices worldwide, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia.


  6. Shield AI
    Average Salary: $152,744
    Shield AI offers Mechanical Engineers roles in AI and robotics. They focus on autonomous systems. The company is based in California, U.S.


  7. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    Average Salary: $152,517
    This lab offers Mechanical Engineers roles in national security and energy. They work on advanced research projects. The lab is based in California, U.S.


  8. Mizuho OSI
    Average Salary: $151,289
    Mizuho OSI provides Mechanical Engineers with roles in semiconductor manufacturing. They focus on precision equipment. The company is based in California, U.S.


  9. Lam Research
    Average Salary: $150,752
    Lam Research offers Mechanical Engineers roles in semiconductor fabrication. They work on advanced manufacturing technologies. The company is based in California, U.S.


  10. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $150,514
    Amazon provides Mechanical Engineers with roles in logistics and robotics. They work on innovative solutions for delivery and automation. Amazon has offices worldwide, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

How to earn more as a Mechanical Engineer?

Mechanical engineers have many opportunities to increase their earnings. They can do this by gaining more experience, learning new skills, and choosing the right job roles. Each of these steps can lead to higher pay and more job satisfaction.

Here are some ways mechanical engineers can earn more:

  1. Get more experience: Working in the field for several years helps engineers gain valuable skills and knowledge. This experience often leads to higher-paying jobs and promotions.
  2. Learn new skills: Engineers who learn new technologies and software can become more valuable. Skills in areas like CAD, FEA, or project management can lead to higher pay.
  3. Choose specialized roles: Some areas of mechanical engineering, like aerospace or automotive, often pay more. Specializing in these fields can lead to higher-paying jobs.
  4. Get certifications: Professional certifications can show employers that an engineer has advanced skills. Certifications in areas like Six Sigma or project management can lead to higher pay.
  5. Seek advanced degrees: Earning a master’s or Ph.D. can open up higher-paying roles. Advanced degrees can lead to jobs in research, teaching, or high-level engineering positions.

Currently 2,101 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
2,101 Job Openings