Overview Salaries

Mechanical Engineer Salaries

Updated on Oct 10, 2026
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Salary

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make?

The average salary for a Mechanical Engineer is $105,752 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Mechanical Engineer positions, showing an average salary of $105,752 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Mechanical Engineer positions, showing an average salary of $105,752 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Mechanical Engineer positions, showing an average salary of $105,752 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Mechanical Engineer positions, showing an average salary of $105,752 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

A Mechanical Engineer plays a crucial role in designing and developing mechanical systems. They work on a variety of projects, from creating new products to improving existing ones. For professionals in this field, the pay reflects their skill and experience. The average yearly salary for a Mechanical Engineer stands at $105,752. This range can vary greatly depending on several factors, including location, industry, and level of education.

Mechanical Engineers earn different salaries based on their experience level. Entry-level engineers, just starting in the field, can expect to earn around $44,365 per year. As they gain more experience, their salaries can increase significantly. Experienced Mechanical Engineers, with several years in the industry, can earn upwards of $178,579 per year. Higher education and specialized skills often lead to even greater earning potential. Companies in sectors like aerospace, automotive, and energy may offer competitive salaries to attract skilled engineers.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Mechanical Engineer?

Mechanical engineers can find some of the highest salaries in tech-heavy cities. San Francisco and San Jose, California, lead the pack, offering some of the best pay. Other cities, like Albuquerque, Seattle, and Austin, also provide attractive compensation packages. Higher salaries often come with more job opportunities and a chance to work on cutting-edge projects. These cities draw top talent, making them great places to start or advance a career in mechanical engineering.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Mechanical Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $150,148 and Abilene, TX with the lowest at $125,242.

  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $150,148
    San Francisco offers a dynamic environment for engineering professionals. With companies like Tesla and Salesforce, the focus on innovation drives growth. Opportunities often involve cutting-edge technology.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $141,208
    San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley, making it ideal for aspiring engineers. Tech giants such as Apple and Google provide diverse projects. The area’s collaborative culture fuels professional development.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Albuquerque, NM
    Average Salary: $134,653
    Albuquerque offers a blend of natural beauty and professional opportunities. Sandia National Laboratories and local firms present varied engineering challenges. This city supports both personal and career growth.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $133,871
    Seattle’s engineering scene thrives with giants like Amazon and Microsoft. The city values sustainability and innovation, offering engineers a chance to make a real impact. Projects often involve renewable energy and technology.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $131,961
    Austin’s growing tech scene attracts talented engineers. Companies such as Dell and IBM offer exciting projects. The city’s vibrant lifestyle enhances work-life balance.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Austin, TX


  6. Augusta, GA
    Average Salary: $130,529
    Augusta provides a supportive environment with prominent companies like AF Gruppen and Georgia-Pacific. Engineers here enjoy a mix of traditional and modern projects. The community is welcoming and collaborative.
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  7. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $130,482
    Los Angeles offers a diverse range of opportunities in engineering. With companies like Boeing and Raytheon, engineers work on exciting projects. The city’s creative atmosphere encourages innovative thinking.
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  8. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $129,605
    San Diego is a hub for defense and technology companies. Engineers here work with firms like Qualcomm and Northrop Grumman. The city’s mild climate enhances work enjoyment.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $129,001
    Boulder combines natural beauty with professional opportunities. The presence of firms like Ball Aerospace offers a unique engineering environment. The outdoor lifestyle complements a demanding career.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO


  10. Abilene, TX
    Average Salary: $125,242
    Abilene offers a friendly community with opportunities in both energy and technology. Companies such as Cooper Industries provide stable and innovative projects. This city values hard work and dedication.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Abilene, TX

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

Mechanical engineers have several top-tier companies to choose from for rewarding careers. Companies like OpenAI and Apple lead the way with high average salaries. These companies attract top talent by offering competitive compensation packages. Engineers can also find good opportunities at Eight Sleep, Meta, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. These companies value skilled professionals and provide generous salaries. Dell, Microsoft, and Google also offer lucrative positions with excellent benefits.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Mechanical Engineer jobs, highlighting OpenAI with the highest at $335,833 and Vantage Data Centers with the lowest at $172,083.

  1. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $335,833
    OpenAI is a top company for Mechanical Engineers. They offer jobs in machine learning and artificial intelligence. Their headquarters is in San Francisco, California, with additional offices in New York, Seattle, and Toronto.


  2. Apple
    Average Salary: $209,948
    Apple offers Mechanical Engineer roles in product design and development. They are based in Cupertino, California, with retail stores and offices worldwide. Engineers work on innovative devices and solutions.


  3. Eight Sleep
    Average Salary: $198,542
    Eight Sleep specializes in smart bedding and sleep technology. Mechanical Engineers here develop cutting-edge products. The company is based in New York City and is expanding rapidly.


  4. Meta
    Average Salary: $185,446
    Meta, formerly Facebook, offers exciting opportunities for Mechanical Engineers in product design and hardware development. Their headquarters is in Menlo Park, California, with offices around the globe.


  5. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    Average Salary: $183,891
    This national lab offers roles in research and development for Mechanical Engineers. It is located in Livermore, California, and works on national security and scientific projects.


  6. Intuitive
    Average Salary: $183,285
    Intuitive focuses on robotic-assisted surgery technology. Mechanical Engineers here work on innovative medical devices. Their headquarters is in Sunnyvale, California.


  7. Dell
    Average Salary: $181,251
    Dell offers roles in computer hardware design and manufacturing. Mechanical Engineers here work on creating efficient and powerful devices. The company has its headquarters in Round Rock, Texas.


  8. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $175,401
    Microsoft offers opportunities in software and hardware development. Mechanical Engineers collaborate with top tech teams. The headquarters is in Redmond, Washington, with offices worldwide.


  9. Google
    Average Salary: $174,775
    Google provides roles in product innovation and development. Mechanical Engineers work on new technologies and tools. The headquarters is in Mountain View, California, with offices globally.


  10. Vantage Data Centers
    Average Salary: $172,083
    Vantage Data Centers specializes in cloud computing and data storage. Mechanical Engineers design and maintain data center infrastructure. It operates multiple data centers across the United States.

How to earn more as a Mechanical Engineer?

Mechanical engineers have many ways to boost their earnings. By focusing on these key areas, one can enhance job prospects and salary potential. Continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies can lead to better opportunities and higher pay.

First, gaining specialized certifications can open doors to higher-paying jobs. Certifications in areas like robotics or energy systems can make an engineer more attractive to employers. Second, pursuing advanced degrees like a Master's or Ph.D. can lead to higher-paying roles, especially in research and development. Third, working in high-demand industries such as aerospace or renewable energy can offer better compensation. Fourth, taking on leadership roles can lead to higher salaries and more responsibilities. Finally, being proficient in cutting-edge software and tools can set an engineer apart and lead to better job offers.

Consider these factors to increase earning potential. Specialization, advanced education, industry choice, leadership, and technical skills all play crucial roles in achieving higher pay as a mechanical engineer.

  • Specialized certifications
  • Advanced degrees
  • High-demand industries
  • Leadership roles
  • Technical proficiency

Currently 4,064 Mechanical Engineer job openings, nationwide.

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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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